'Illegal' Cruise Launched Between Tripoli and Famagusta - Govt

The government is making representations to Lebanon after reports that a new cruise has been launched from Tripoli to the occupied city of Famagusta, said the spokesman today.

According to the Daily Star, the first tourist sea transportation service will start running every Thursday after today's launch ceremony in the presence of Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon Serdar Kilic. The cruise departs Tripoli every Thursday morning, makes a stopover at the Syrian port city of Afamia before heading to Famagusta and returning to Lebanon Monday night.

“There is no direct route between Lebanon and the occupied areas. Representations have been made and are being made. There is however a sea route from Turkey, the occupied areas, Syria, Lebanon and vice versa” the Spokesman explained.

“We are in continuous contact with Lebanon, we are making contact, representations and we will continue to do so,” he added.

“As long as there is an abnormal situation in Cyprus, with the occupation and Turkey’s efforts to upgrade the illegal regime, we will have to address Turkey’s policy which maintains that there is a second state in Cyprus,” said Mr. Stephanou.