The fact that the occupied territories build illegally on G/C properties has aroused strong feelings to the government, Commerce Minister, Giorgos Lillikas stated on Tuesday, at a meeting organized by PASYXE in Paphos. Mr. Lillikas said that the government supports all efforts on behalf of owners of G/C properties to take legal measures. “This is the only way to avert illegal building and seems to be effective for the possible buyers of such villas in the occupied areas or those who stay in hotels built on G/C properties”, he said.

The Minister also said that the Republic has taken all the necessary steps via CTO and has displayed initiative to inform the foreigners on the illegality that may commit. “So far, the large tour operators do not include the occupied areas in their tourist destinations. The T/C participate in tourism fairs under the name “Northern Cyprus Ltd” as a company only”.

As regards to whether the occupied territories can compete the free areas in the sector of tourism, Mr. Lillikas said that this is impossible at the current stage, since no direct flights are permitted.