Commission DG to visit over Turkish Cypriot aid

Director General of Enlargement in the European Commission, Michael Leigh, will pay a visit to Cyprus from April 4-6.

We understand that Leigh is responsible for the distribution of the EU financial aid regulation that is due to distribute EUR 139 mln in aid to Turkish Cypriots and that given sensitivities over the money, it is being handled directly from Brussels rather than from the representation in the Republic of Cyprus, which is headed by a Greek Cypriot.

Leigh will meet with representatives of the government of Cyprus as well as representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community, including the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and civil society.

The EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) reached a decision on the financial regulation for the Turkish Cypriots in February, amounting to 139 million euros, as well as the terms under which the regulation for direct trade with the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus could be achieved.