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Britain expresses caution over purchase of property
in north

Financial Mirror Online
Monday, December  13, 2004, 15.00

The British government advises UK nationals or companies to seek legal advise before making any purchase in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus, Minister for Europe Denis MacShane has said.

He stressed however that the government cannot intervene or prevent UK companies from making commercial transactions with individuals or companies in the occupied areas.

MacShane was replying to a question by Conservative MP Roger Gale whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Office will take steps to ensure that UK companies are not engaged in the construction or marketing of properties on land in the occupied areas legally owned by Greek Cypriots.

''We strongly advise all those considering purchasing property in northern Cyprus to seek independent qualified legal advice before making ny purchase'', MacShane said in a written reply adding that ''this advice applies equally to individuals and to UK companies.''

Recalling that the UN Secretary-General's settlement plan contained provisions for the return of property and compensation in respect of properties, MacShane said ''we continue to believe that the best way of resolving these property issues is as part of a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement on the basis of the UN Secretary General's plan.''

Responding to a question by labour MP Tom Cox with regard to the Cyprus government's unilateral decision to proceed with the demining of its minefields in the buffer zone, MacShane said the British Government welcomes the decision of the Government of Cyprus in June to work with the United Nations to start mine clearance in the buffer zone.

''The UK government'', he added ''welcomes any contribution to normalisation of the situation on the island. De-mining is an important step towards this.''