The search for missing people following the Kyrenia shipwreck has moved forward after Turkish Cypriot “prime minister” Unal Ustel held a series of meetings with senior Turkish officials in Ankara.
Ustel met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Justice Minister Akin Gurlek, as well as Turkey’s Chief of General Staff and Naval Forces Commander.
According to reports from the occupied north, Ustel and Fidan discussed efforts to locate the missing people following the sinking of the vessel off the coast of Kyrenia, the next steps required, Turkey–Turkish Cypriot cooperation and regional developments.
Specialist company approved for deep-sea search
In a written statement, Ustel said he also met Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, Chief of General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, technical teams from relevant bodies and representatives of private companies with experience and technical expertise in underwater search and rescue.
Ustel said that, during his contacts in Ankara, a private company with experience and the necessary technical capabilities for deep-sea search operations had been approved.
He added that discussions with Yilmaz focused on search and rescue efforts following the accident, possible new steps to locate the missing people and the ongoing legal proceedings.
The meetings also included briefings based on technical reports prepared by representatives of private companies.
Legal investigation also discussed
Ustel said he held separate discussions with Turkey’s Chief of General Staff and Naval Forces Commander regarding the search operations and possible next steps.
As part of the ongoing legal proceedings into the causes of the maritime accident, Ustel also met Justice Minister Akin Gurlek.
He said the purpose of the meeting was to examine every aspect of the case and ensure that justice is served.
Also read: Kyrenia shipwreck: Another body recovered, death toll rises to 14
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