Drugs from Greek Cyprus stir crisis between Turkish Cypriot authorities

Medicines and protective medical equipment sent from Greek Cyprus to Turkish Cyprus as part of routine governmental procedures carried out within the bi-communal health committee have caused a state crisis in the north of the island.
The shipment which contains around 2,000 chloroquine pills and protective equipment sent by the Greek Cypriot authorities were passed through the Metehan (Ag. Dometios) Crossing Gate on Green Line and delivered to the Turkish Cypriot authorities on April 16.
However, Turkish Cypriot Premier Ersin Tatar, who was against accepting aid from Greek Cyprus from the beginning, said that the supplies were transferred illegally to the north by the Turkish Cypriot Presidency and the Nicosia Turkish Municipality (LTB), which facilitated the transfer late April 16.
Tatar's office said in a written statement that the supplies would be checked, and if deemed suitable, permission would be given for their use.
The prime minister said that the issue of the "illegal" import of the supplies to Turkish Cyprus would be looked into and that the "necessary action" would be taken.
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı challenged him, saying he was "waiting for action" against him over accusations by the government that he had "smuggled" medical supplies and protective equipment into Turkish Cyprus on April 17.
"We learned from this announcement that we have conducted a 'major smuggling' crime," Akıncı said in a sarcastic tone.
A consensus was reached to send medicines and protective equipment to Turkish Cyprus after a telephone conversation between Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades last week.
Tatar, who made a statement following the announcement of the consensus on April...