Cyprus MEP concerned over Turkish Cypriot aid fraud

Democratic Party (Diko) and S&D MEP Antigone Papadopoulou has expressed her deep concern over press reports that allege fraud in the distribution of the 259 mln euros in aid to the Turkish Cypriots.
Papadopoulou, who chaired the Cyprus parliamentary finance committee prior to being elected to the European Parliament, has called for full transparency in the way these funds are distributed.
Quoting an article in Politis by Turkish Cypriot columnist Sener Levent, the MEP has called on the European Commission to ensure that the aid is utilised properly for the purpose of reunification of the island.
The article refers to Andrew Rasbash, head of the EC programme for financial aid, who allegedly approved funding based on favours and that were used for projects other than infrastructure.
The report mentioned 57,000 euros granted to a trading company, nearly 50,000 for a tourist development project, 39,000 to a company that submitted a project for the professional development of female beauty, 162,000 to a private TV station and others.