EU support for Cyprus

Linus


Joined: 04/05/2008
Posts: 281

Message Posted:
18/06/2008 00:05

Extract from Turkish Daily News today. Sounds promising





"European Union foreign ministers agreed yesterday to ease the economic isolation of northern Cyprus, in a move to bolster efforts to reunify the divided island.



The measures "aim at enhancing trade and economic integration on the island," said a statement by the ministers, adding they would support both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders in finding a negotiated settlement to end the 34-year division of the area.



The EU said the new policy would lift duties on agricultural products and ease restrictions on companies that carry out services across the so-called Green Line border between the two communities.



The value limit of personal goods carried by visitors crossing the line will be also raised from $207 to $399 to encourage economic integration.



The EU has in the past urged the opening of more crossing points along the island's Green Line in order to bolster trust between the two communities.



Measures to ease the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community have been held up by Greek Cypriot officials for years, fearing that opening trade ties with the northern part of the island would mean a de facto recognition of the breakaway state.



Cyprus was split into a Turkish Cypriot north and an internationally recognized Greek Cypriot south in 1974 when Turkey intervened after an Athens-backed coup aimed to unite the island with Greece."



















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wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
18/06/2008 00:09

Hi Linus,



Early days yet, but encouraging nonetheless.



wyn

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
18/06/2008 07:12

hi , will have to wait and see , when does this policy go into effect ?

have a good day , pat

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1895

Message Posted:
18/06/2008 10:07

Sounds encouraging,but dont hold your breath.Sorry Wynn.,

Paul.

Hot Hornet


Joined: 03/06/2008
Posts: 343

Message Posted:
18/06/2008 16:34

corrrr sure I have read this somewhere else a couple of years ago!