The Cypriot government has sent an official letter to the EU Commission, demanding that airlines that fly migrants into the Turkish-controlled northern part of the island should be sanctioned.

South Cyprus claims that organized refugees are flown to Ercan (North Cyprus) and then try to get to EU member Cyprus (South). The European Union regards the entire island as belonging to the community of states, but de facto only the southern part belongs.

Interior Minister Nicos Nouris had previously asked the French Presidency and other EU ministers to impose measures similar to those introduced against Belarusian airlines last year. For his part, Nouris said that more than 85 percent of applicants for international protection in Cyprus have gained access to the republic from Turkey or via the north.