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Cypriot Government Warns US Business Delegation Against Visiting The North

by Lorys Charalambous, Tax-News.com, Cyprus

15 February 2005

The Cypriot government has raised objections to a US business delegation visiting the Northern part of the island, branding the visit illegal under local laws and United Nations resolutions, and potentially damaging to US interests in the South.

According to the report in the Cyprus Mail, the US group, which includes a commercial attaché from the US embassy in Ankara, has been described by State Department spokesman Richard Boucher as “a private delegation that’s looking at potential business opportunities in the north”.

“This delegation is consistent with our goal of easing the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots by expanding business contacts on and off the island,” he stated.

Boucher added that the commercial attaché was in attendance to “help facilitate” the work of the delegation, adding that such a move is “standard practice worldwide”.

However, in a radio interview at the weekend, Greek Cypriot Commerce Secretary, George Lilikas criticised the attempt by the US to raise the profile of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and warned US firms to think twice before entering the Northern market, hinting that it could result in political and legal ramifications.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister, George Iacovou has objected in particular to the presence in the delegation of the attaché from Ankara, which he reportedly described as illegal under Cypriot laws and UN resolutions.

“If the visit by the Commercial Attaché finally takes place, I underline that this action will constitute a violation of the Cyprus Republic’s laws and UN resolutions 541 and 550,” Iacovou commented.

“The allegation that he will facilitate their contacts is not valid. We have made representations (to the US) both in Nicosia and in Washington,” he added.

The Mail reported that representatives from ten US companies, including FedEx, Comsat, Oracle and Express Bank, have expressed an interest in visiting Northern Cyprus.

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