The position of the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding the acquisition of property in northern Cyprus

1. Continue to operate a number of UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus, including 541 and 550, which requires all members of the international community not to recognize any Cypriot state other than the Republic of Cyprus, to respect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and not to secessionist entity in the north of the island (m . n. "TRNC") is no help.

2. Currently, there are continuing solutions internationally recognized government of Cyprus on the illegality of the points of entry-exit, in the occupied part of the island, beyond the control of the legitimate government of Cyprus authorities. Thus, in accordance with the established order in the Republic of Cyprus, Russian citizens have come to Cyprus controlled by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus entry points where they pass the appropriate passport and visa control. Such points of entry and exit are Larnaca and Paphos airports, the ports of Larnaca and Limassol, as well as items parking offshore yachts. A similar procedure provided for both existing between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Cyprus bilateral agreements. In contrast to the visa-free regime with EU countries in relation to Russia at the Cypriot valid visa regime for mutual trips. Upon completion of these formalities, the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus admit visiting the northern occupied part of Cyprus is a prerequisite to return to Russia through the appropriate checkpoint in the south. In the case of entry of a Russian citizen to Cyprus from the north subsequent attempt to cross the "green line" is fraught with arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of Cyprus for their illegal entry into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

3. On real estate acquisition and performance of other commercial transactions on the north side of the island we recommend to keep in mind that legally (the Cypriot national law and EU legislation), the Greek Cypriots continue to maintain ownership of a significant piece of real estate situated in the north of Cyprus, although after the tragic events in 1974 and an agreement on exchanges of mass of the population in 1975, Greek Cypriot population and left the occupied part of the island. If real estate transactions, as well as investing in infrastructure, affecting the Greek-Cypriot property rights, ignore the existing legal rights, there could be lengthy trial and major penalties. In accordance with the amended Penal Code of the Republic of Cyprus on Oct. 20, 2006, for purchasing real estate without the consent of its rightful owner (which qualifies as conspiracy and fraud) provides for punishment of imprisonment for up to seven years.

Must take into account that, in accordance with bilateral agreements on legal assistance in civil and criminal matters (1984) verdicts Cypriot courts are recognized and enforceable in the territory of Russia. In addition to the considerable limitations in providing legal and other assistance to the Russian businessmen in the case of their involvement in the conflict situation in northern Cyprus, the activity in circumvention of the official authorities of the Republic of Cyprus has questioned the overall legality of such business.

Russian Foreign Ministry  http://www.mid.ru/