Nicosia expects briefing on new procedure for humanitarian aid

The government expects to be officially briefed by the UN peacekeeping force (UNFICYP) regarding the dispatch of humanitarian aid to enclaved Greek Cypriots after Turkish Cypriot authorities lifted their tax on it, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou told CNA.

On Tuesday the breakaway Turkish Cypriot regime revoked its decision to impose a levy on humanitarian aid delivered from the government-controlled areas to Greek Cypriots and Maronites living in the Turkish-held northern Turkish of the island.

UNFICYP spokesperson Aleem Siddique told CNA that “we welcome the announcement to revoke the previous decision to impose taxes and fees on humanitarian aid. We are in touch with both sides to facilitate the resumption of deliveries”.

Photiou said: “We are waiting to be officially informed by UNFICYP to see what this new process is.”

“Our services are ready to begin dispatching humanitarian aid, after the lifting of this unacceptable measure.”

Turkish Cypriot 'foreign minister' Kudret Ozesay said on Tuesday that a decision was taken for the "implementation of a new procedure", thus changing the previous decision to impose taxes.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

The enclaved are those people who refused to leave their homes under an agreement to transfer populations trapped behind the frontline following the Turkish invasion.

Today, only around 437 'enclaved' remain in the north of whom 328 are Greek Cypriots and 109 Maronite Cypriots.