Why Erdogan's so eager to see Cypriot ghost town reopen
The abrupt decision to partially reopen a Cypriot resort sealed off for more than four decades was a clear attempt by Ankara to influence the Turkish Cypriot presidential polls and alter settlement parameters in long-divided Cyprus.
A political tremor has jolted Turkish Cyprus on the eve of presidential elections as Ankara made an 11th-hour attempt to boost its favorite candidate, but the controversial move could have repercussions beyond Turkish Cypriot politics and impact settlement efforts in long-divided Cyprus. Only Turkey recognizes and props up the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Prime Minister Ersin Tatar, one of the front-runners in the Oct. 11 polls, was a guest of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara Oct. 6. In a clearly timed move, the two leaders announced the resumption of a water pipeline from Turkey to the TRNC after nine months of repairs.
