Cyprus-Forum.com

[Gasman]

It must be like the car dealerships in the north. There must be some sort of recognition which sees no boundaries -

This more or less sums up my feelings on the matter.

Like the official info website where it says that 'strictly speaking' it is illegal to enter Cyprus from blah blah - but nothing will happen. Or words to that effect.

I am puzzled why you have homed in on HSBC among all the other businesses operating in TRNC.

And I too think you should be making your fuss more locally - here in Cyprus and taking your grievances up with the RoC powers that be and tell us what they have to say on the matter (instead of assuming they won't respond).

I know people who have complained bitterly to the Cyprus High Commission in the UK and every agency they can think of here in Cyprus about a fellow Brit who is resident in RoC and ripping off other Brits selling houses to them in TRNC. They've always been thanked politely for bringing it to the attention etc. but never had any detailed responses. And the guy is carrying on merrily as he has been for years.

I'm even wondering if, at some level, RoC doesn't want to be seen to be making life more difficult for the TC population at a time when it is professing to be desperately seeking a solution for them all to live in harmony, a time when there is so much talk of easing/lifting the embargo and increasing aid to TRNC to alleviate their economic isolation?

[Milo]

This apparently is the first food restaurant franchise to be opening in the north of Cyprus, was somewhat surprised when I found this out

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnny-Ro ... 6367483299

http://www.johnnyrockets.com/locations/

[denizaksulu]

If you think I'm being patronising it's probably because I think you're being obtuse.

The world economic crisis has been caused by the unscrupulous activities of unregulated financial institutions; that recognise no boundaries other than the pursuit of profit. If they can get away with it, they will. And, up till now, they have been allowed to get away with it. Likewise in the north, and including car dealerships.

Because I do not write much does not mean I am obtuse as you claim. What I see is a one man crusade getting nowhere; just making a name for yourself. If it does not bother the RoC or the Bank of Cyprus why do you waste your time. Perhaps the Bank of Cyprus is or has been taking action, in that case, what?

[Malapapa]

If you think I'm being patronising it's probably because I think you're being obtuse.

The world economic crisis has been caused by the unscrupulous activities of unregulated financial institutions; that recognise no boundaries other than the pursuit of profit. If they can get away with it, they will. And, up till now, they have been allowed to get away with it. Likewise in the north, and including car dealerships.

Because I do not write much does not mean I am obtuse as you claim. What I see is a one man crusade getting nowhere; just making a name for yourself.

I'm (anonymously) doing my bit... Hardly a crusade; just the odd letter to get people thinking.

If it does not bother the RoC or the Bank of Cyprus why do you waste your time. Perhaps the Bank of Cyprus is or has been taking action, in that case, what?

I've no idea what action the Central bank has taken. But clearly not enough.

[Malapapa]

It must be like the car dealerships in the north. There must be some sort of recognition which sees no boundaries -

This more or less sums up my feelings on the matter.

Like the official info website where it says that 'strictly speaking' it is illegal to enter Cyprus from blah blah - but nothing will happen. Or words to that effect.

I am puzzled why you have homed in on HSBC among all the other businesses operating in TRNC.

The economic crisis and the increased scrutiny the banks are now meant to be under.

And I too think you should be making your fuss more locally - here in Cyprus and taking your grievances up with the RoC powers that be and tell us what they have to say on the matter (instead of assuming they won't respond).

This isn't an assumption. And so far they've said nothing.

I know people who have complained bitterly to the Cyprus High Commission in the UK and every agency they can think of here in Cyprus about a fellow Brit who is resident in RoC and ripping off other Brits selling houses to them in TRNC. They've always been thanked politely for bringing it to the attention etc. but never had any detailed responses. And the guy is carrying on merrily as he has been for years.

I'm even wondering if, at some level, RoC doesn't want to be seen to be making life more difficult for the TC population at a time when it is professing to be desperately seeking a solution for them all to live in harmony, a time when there is so much talk of easing/lifting the embargo and increasing aid to TRNC to alleviate their economic isolation?

Perhaps. I think laziness and incompetence play a big part.

[denizaksulu]

If you think I'm being patronising it's probably because I think you're being obtuse.

The world economic crisis has been caused by the unscrupulous activities of unregulated financial institutions; that recognise no boundaries other than the pursuit of profit. If they can get away with it, they will. And, up till now, they have been allowed to get away with it. Likewise in the north, and including car dealerships.

Because I do not write much does not mean I am obtuse as you claim. What I see is a one man crusade getting nowhere; just making a name for yourself.

I'm (anonymously) doing my bit... Hardly a crusade; just the odd letter to get people thinking.

If it does not bother the RoC or the Bank of Cyprus why do you waste your time. Perhaps the Bank of Cyprus is or has been taking action, in that case, what?

I've no idea what action the Central bank has taken. But clearly not enough.

Why are they so powerless, if they are doing something....I dont suppose you know?

[Malapapa]

If you think I'm being patronising it's probably because I think you're being obtuse.

The world economic crisis has been caused by the unscrupulous activities of unregulated financial institutions; that recognise no boundaries other than the pursuit of profit. If they can get away with it, they will. And, up till now, they have been allowed to get away with it. Likewise in the north, and including car dealerships.

Because I do not write much does not mean I am obtuse as you claim. What I see is a one man crusade getting nowhere; just making a name for yourself.

I'm (anonymously) doing my bit... Hardly a crusade; just the odd letter to get people thinking.

If it does not bother the RoC or the Bank of Cyprus why do you waste your time. Perhaps the Bank of Cyprus is or has been taking action, in that case, what?

I've no idea what action the Central bank has taken. But clearly not enough.

Why are they so powerless, if they are doing something....I dont suppose you know?

Gasman has speculated above; as have I. The clout of the Cypriot government in these areas isn't huge.

I am hoping to meet senior representatives of the UK Cypriot High Commission in the coming weeks. I will know more then; and will let you know.

[IMPOSTALIEDUS]

what the hell would a pull out from trnc by hsbc make to my banking with them , most of you lot must be living in cloud coocko land if you think it is going to make any changes,to its banking in girne i have banked with this bank for over 40 years,and will do so regardless of wether they close the branch in girne. have you lot realised that the thing you are sitting infront of is not just for sending stupid emails to some quango in london ,,and getting no were .. i have also bank accounts in south africa and other shit hole countries ,but who gives a shit,i dont as long as my money is safe

[Acikgoz]

Interesting if you were to follow through this logic to its conclusion. Get rid of HSBC to make TCs suffer and force them into the hands of the RoC, however if successful would mean only Turkish banks remain. If that is the case then further integration with Turkey and distance from international markets and viewpoints. Therefore more intransigence and limited influence from the outside.

As for this comment
"The world economic crisis has been caused by the unscrupulous activities of unregulated financial institutions; that recognise no boundaries other than the pursuit of profit." Surely issues such as the ones faced by Greece should be addressed first such as doctoring the numbers for entry into the EU, falsifying statements of assets and liabilities, off-balance sheet endeavours etc. Or how about doing some really solid research into the money laundering in the RoC over the 20 years prior to EU entry of which Papad's firm was an integral player?
Try not to use issues that have little bearing to make your point - HSBC in TRNC is a commercial bank and does provide mortgages for non Turkish original title.

I am saddened when I see all the reasons under the sun heaped for the sole reason of taking opportunities for business away from TCs and making their lives more difficult. Mala, please do not try to hide your true reasoning with all the waffle.

[Gasman]

Hi Milo

I posted about the Johnny's restaurant when the opening in Famagusta was announced. I posted it to back up my assumption that obviously there must be (at some level) in the very least, an agreement to turn a blind eye - or not make a fuss.

When I posted about Johnny's I drew attention to the fact that they state quite clearly that they cannot operate in Cuba 'because of the US embargo'. Saying that clearly the 'embargo on the TRNC' did not seem to stop them.

I mean it is not as if the company are unaware of 'embargo situations'. They state the countries they cannot operate in on account of them.

Mala,

Your recent comment that you are not on a crusade, just jotting off a couple of letters, leads me to the conclusion that you either have a personal grudge where HSBC are concerned or you really have nothing better to do!

If you are not prepared to press the RoC powers on this issue (the RoC being behind the embargo) - I don't see the point of you pressing the FSA, the Water Board, Citizens Advice Bureau or any other organisation about it!