Papadopoulos: Cyprus and Britain discussing property development

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Saturday that the government was discussing with Britain the issue of developing properties in the areas west of Limassol, noting that many problems were arising regarding the conditions of this exploitation.

Speaking upon his return from an official visit to Slovenia and commenting on press reports that London had sent a draft plan to Nicosia regarding the construction development of the area west of Limassol, mainly Akrotiri, excluding the British Sovereign Base Areas, Papadopoulos said this issue was being discussed with the British for some time now.

“There are many aspects. It is not just a matter of developing properties. Many other issues arise regarding the conditions of this exploitation, which regime, tax or other, it will come under, and other problems,” he pointed out, adding that it was not the right time to go into details.

Asked if London’s draft plan, which has been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be examined, the President said, “we have been discussing this issue with the British in bilateral talks for some time now.”

Asked why Akrotiri was chosen and not Dhekelia, Papadopoulos said, “it is not us speaking about the Akrotiri area” and that “this is how the issue is being presented.”

 

— Cyprus interested in change of Turkish policy

 

President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Saturday that the Republic of Cyprus was interested in a change of policy on behalf of Turkey on the Cyprus problem, noting that one should first await the results of the elections for a new Turkish President before reaching conclusions.

Asked if there were any prospects for such a shift in Ankara’s stance, he said, “We still do not know who is elected to be able to draw conclusions.”

Replying to questions, Papadopoulos said various countries interested in a Cyprus settlement were calling on the Turkish side and especially Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to proceed to talks for the implementation of the July 8 agreement, without preconditions.

Commenting on the selling of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas, President Papadopoulos said “the government is doing everything possible to report the fact and to secure the interests of the owners.”