Cyprus makes representations about British advice to refugee

Government Spokesman Vasilis Palmas said on Friday that the government had made representations immediately on being informed of a complaint by a Greek Cypriot refugee that the British High Commission in Nicosia had advised him to apply to the so-called compensation commission for Greek Cypriot properties in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.

Palmas noted that the official position of the High Commission was that contained in a statement on Thursday, which says that it advised no one to apply to the so-called commission.

He added that the government expected the High Commission to deal with the case of its member of staff, with whom the refugee spoke.

Replying to questions, Palmas said the statement clearly says the position of the High Commission and the United Kingdom remains unchanged and that the employee had acted on a personal level.

Referring to complaints voiced in the House of Representatives that Greek Cypriots were selling properties in the Turkish occupied areas belonging to refugees, the Spokesman said the government was aware of certain facts and that the Attorney General was handling the case.

He said the government would be fully informed when those who know details presented them to the Ministry of the Interior.