The Cyprus Question| A brief Introduction 42 The increase in the economic activity across the ceasefire line since 2003 has been a major factor in the rise of the per capita income of the Turkish Cypriots that has more than doubled in the last few years. In addition, up until November 2011, over 101.000 Turkish Cypriots have acquired official Republic of Cyprus birth certificates; over 93.000 have acquired identity cards; and over 63.000 have acquired passports. To help promote reunification and reconciliation, the government, despite the obstacles put forward by the Turkish side, has consistently pursued policies for improving the economic situation of the Turkish Cypriots. It is in this spirit that it consented to the EU Regulation on Financial Assistance of two hundred and fifty nine million euro to benefit the Turkish Cypriot community. To facilitate the allocation of aid to Turkish Cypriots, the government, in March 2008, withdrew its appeal to the Court of Justice of the European Communities for the annulment of bids submitted in relation to provisions of the EU Regulation, after the European Commission amended the relevant misleading text. In July 2004, the government also proposed additional measures including the extension of the clearing of minefields in the buffer zone in cooperation with the UN. Although the Turkish side has not yet fulfilled all its obligations in this regard, the government, in its efforts to ease tensions and create a better political climate, proceeded unilaterally with the clearing of its minefields inside the buffer zone. With the destruction of the last antipersonnel mine on 10 July 2007, Cyprus fully met its obligations under the Ottawa Convention. In addition, the government offered to provide special arrangements for Turkish Cypriots to use the port of Larnaka for the export of their products. It has further proposed the lawful operation (by both Greek and Turkish Cypriots) of the Famagusta port under the supervision of the EU, provided that the area of Varosha is returned to its Greek Cypriot legal inhabitants under the control of the government of Cyprus. The government’s overall constructive approach toward the Turkish Cypriots, both unilaterally and through the EU, is designed to foster cooperation and trust between the two communities. The government will continue to promote reconciliation and reintegration through tangible means, thereby paving the way for a comprehensive and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.
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