Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-05-24

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Thursday, 24 May 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] European Court of Human Rights finds Cyprus guilty of ill-treating Turkish Cypriots
• [02] Tourism up

[01] European Court of Human Rights finds Cyprus guilty of ill-treating Turkish Cypriots

In a case brought by nine Turkish Cypriots the court found that they had been mistreated during a two-week detention by the police in 1994 and Cyprus was ordered to pay £20,000 compensation to each applicant.

Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said Cyprus would respect this decision which "cannot make any Cypriot happy".

"The government respects this decision fully, undertakes its responsibilities completely and will work in a systematic and effective way to safeguard that similar events and behaviours which are in contrast with the civilization and the morality of the Cypriot people will not be repeated", the Spokesman said in a written statement.

Attorney General Alecos Markides expressed the government's sorrow over the events, which he characterised as an isolated incident, if seen over the seven years that had elapsed.

He said Cyprus will comply fully with the ruling and added that the government will move to take all necessary measures to try and limit human rights violations to the minimum.

He pointed out, however, that the Court's decision safeguards the right of free movement of Turkish Cypriots as well throughout the island and notes that the Republic of Cyprus is the sole legitimate government of Cyprus.

[02] Tourism up

During the first quarter of the year tourist arrivals have gone up by 6,5% compared to the same period last year.

Minister for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Nicos Rolandis said he was pleased with the figures and added that if the rise continued the final figures could overtake expectations.

Last year tourist arrivals rose by 10,3% compared to 1999 and revenue from tourism marked an increase of 16,8%.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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