Turkish-Cypriots Claim Halloumi Cheese Rights
Bayrak Television reported that Turkish-Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu held meetings with the Turkish-Cypriot Chamber of Industry (TCCI), regarding the Republic of Cyprus' protected designation of origin (PDO) plans for halloumi/hellim cheese.
According to the illegal channel, TCCI Chairman Ali Cirali claimed that halloumi is both a Northern and Southern territory product and part of both community's culture. He stated that the production of halloumi makes up 17% of his territory's economy and is one-forth of total exports, according to Parikiaki.
Cirali commented, "The Greek Cypriot government first registered the traditional cheese in South Cyprus under both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot name. They later applied to the European Union for registration. Once they succeed this registration will become international. If we fail to become part of this process then our producers will not be able to use the name hellim or halloumi when exporting our products abroad. This will end our hellim export", as reported by Parikiaki.
Eroglu voiced the same stance, "We are trying to explain to Brussels that this is a joint product of both peoples on the island, that awarding the registration to just one side will create economic difficulties and complications".
