Turkish Cypriots going through hard times - Akinci

Turkish Cypriots are going through difficult times and despite the measures to shore up the economy, reforms were needed, said Turkish Republic of North Cyprus president Mustafa Akinci.

Akinci, who was speaking at an event in Lefkosia on Wednesday, said austerity measures were introduced but everyone had to assume their responsibility so that the crisis would not only affect the poor.

Akinci said reform was needed in the public sector and corruption and money laundering must be stamped out.

The use of the Turkish lira in north Cyprus has created serious problems for Turkish Cypriots.

In the last six months, the value of the dollar against the Turkish lira has increased by 31 per cent, the euro by 26 per cent, and sterling by 21 per cent, accompanied by a corresponding rise in the price of nearly all imported goods.

CM