London--"A series of measures by the Republic of Cyprus to further improve economic development and cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in a bid to boost the local economy and help the reunification of the country, renders completely false any Turkish claims that the people in the occupied north are 'isolated,'" said Theo Theodorou, spokesman for Lobby for Cyprus.

He was speaking following the announcement from Nicosia that the Republic's first programme concerns ways to help set up small-business ventures between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in specific selected regions, for the period 2007-2013, with grants totaling seven-million euros. A ceiling of 200,000-euros has been set for each selected small business.

Theodorou added that the second project is even more ambitious as it provides grants to businesses, in specific selected areas, to upgrade the technology of joint ventures between the two communities, develop trade and the manufacturing of agricultural products with grants amounting to 27-million euros, for the period of 2007-2013. A ceiling of 500,000-euros has been set for each selected business.

In making the announcement on behalf of the Republic, Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris and Director of the President’s Diplomatic Office Tasos Tzionis, also expressed hope that Turkish Cypriots will respond and benefit from them. "It is the policies of the Turkish Cypriot leadership that has resulted in the failure to take up these programmes, so far, and any 'isolation' will therefore be a self-imposed one," Tzionis said.

"As with the foot-dragging on the part of the Turkish Cypriot leadership to abide by the agreements of July 8, 2006, which sets the milestones for reunification," Theodorou said," it would appear that they prefer to make false claims in an effort to permanently divide the island."

Lobby for Cyprus is a non-party-political organization that seeks the reunification of Cyprus through the removal of the 40,000-man Turkish Army, the repatriation of the 120,000 Anatolian colonists, and the return of all refugees to their homes.

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