EU Commission Welcomes Progress On Cyprus Green Line Regulation

by Lorys Charalambous, Tax-News.com, Cyprus

23 February 2005

The European Commission has welcomed the adoption by the EU's Council of its proposals to improve the Green Line Regulation, which is aimed at facilitating the movement of goods and persons between Southern and Northern Cyprus in an attempt to improve integration in the divided island.

"Building bridges between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot community over the Green Line is essential for the reconciliation on Cyprus and helpful for creating a positive political climate which would open the way for a comprehensive settlement on the island," stated Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

According to the Commission, the amended Green Line Regulation adopted last week brings about a number of improvements, including: the removal of obstacles in the trade for agricultural products; the establishment of a simplified procedure for the inclusion of animal products; an increase in the ceilings for travellers crossing the green line; the introduction of allowances on goods for personal use that cross the green line to a maximum EUR135.

The Commission has also expressed its satisfaction with the progress made towards the opening of two new crossing points, Zodia and Ledra Street in the heart of old Nicosia, whilst it also observed that the EU sponsored de-mining programme for the Buffer Zone has already started.

Mr Rehn added:

“I welcome the agreement on the amendments of the Green Line Regulation and on the willingness to open two new crossing points at Zodia and Ledra Street, since these measures contribute to the integration of the island.

“In this context I call on the Member States to make progress on the Trade and Aid measures proposed by the Commission in July last year, which aim at putting an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community."

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