Prime Minister Ünal Üstel on Thursday briefed members of his National Unity Party (UBP) on the work carried out by the government during the earthquake disaster as well as preparations for a possible earthquake in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

He said that legislation that will create an earthquake fund from public sector salaries will be passed by parliament on Monday.

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel on Thursday said that the law that will allow a temporary cut in salaries of public sector employees to be spent on earthquake recovery efforts as well as preparations for a possible earthquake will be brought to parliament on Monday.

Speaking at a meeting of party members in Girne, he pointed out that the government, from the very beginning, has opted for dialogue in creating the necessary funds to help those affected by the earthquake disaster in Türkiye as well as prepare the country for similar disasters.

“We have taken the demands of all sectors into consideration. Unfortunately the opposition has not displayed the same sincerity. It withdrew from an Ad-Hoc committee which we set up but we are determined to pass this law because our only concern is to be ready if and when such a disaster strikes the country,” Ünal stressed.

The prime minister expressed his belief that the new legislation will be passed by parliament on Monday.

“The public should rest assured. We will make this country ready for any earthquake,” Üstel said, reassuring everyone that the money cut from public sector salaries will only be channelled to the earthquake fund.

He pointed out that the money will be used to ensure that children resume their education in safer buildings.

The prime minister concluded by stating that all efforts since the earthquake disaster in Türkiye struck was carried out in solidarity and unity.

“All decisions adopted were the product and collection of ideas and views from all segments of society. Everyone has seen the sincerity of the government on this issue,” he said.