A .IMPORTANT NOTICES B. CAUTION FOR FOREIGN CITIZENS C. RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS ON VESSELS CALLING ILLEGALLY AT PORTS IN THE OCCUPIED AREAS OF CYPRUS D. RELEVANT REFERENCES ON CROSSING POINTS – «GREEN LINE» REGULATIONS E. THE ILLEGALLY OPERATING “UNIVERSITIES” IN THE OCCUPIED AREAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS The Republic of Cyprus would like to share its position pertaining to the reasons for which the illegally operating “universities” in the occupied areas of the Republic cannot be regarded as internationally recognized institutions complying with the European or international standards. 1.Illegal status: The “universities” are illegally operating in the areas where the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control because they have not applied to the Universities Registry kept by the Ministry of Education and Culture, nor have they been issued a license for operation, in accordance with the relevant legislation of the Republic of Cyprus. Henceforth, the Republic of Cyprus is not in a position to recognize them nor to evaluate their “programs of study” or the “qualifications” they award. In addition, the Republic cannot verify whether these “universities” comply with the relevant Laws and Regulations of the Republic on Higher Education. 2.Non compliance with the national legislation nor with the international law: The “universities” are being registered and operate under the purported “law” of the so called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) which, according to the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and international law, is an illegal entity not recognized by the international community with the sole exception of Turkey. 3. “Universities” in the occupied areas do not fulfil the prerequisites of European initiatives on education: Any direct or indirect recognition of these “universities” or the “qualifications” they award is contrary to the conditions and goals of existing important European initiatives on Higher Education, for which cooperation with institutions which are nationally and internationally recognized remains a prerequisite. The Republic of Cyprus cannot recognize them because it is not in a position to either control or evaluate the quality of services/programs these “universities” provide to their students. 4. Usurpation of properties by the illegally operating “universities”: It is noteworthy that almost all the “universities” that are illegally operating in the occupied areas, have been illegally built on property belonging mostly to Greek Cypriot displaced persons, in violation of their rights and without their consent. It is recalled that the Greek Cypriot owners of properties were forced to flee their properties because of the Turkish invasion in 1974 and the military occupation of 36,2% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and are, to this day, being prevented from returning. Greek Cypriot property owners may bring legal action before the competent Courts of the Republic against trespassers to their properties in the Turkish-occupied area, claiming damages and other legal remedies available to them under civil law.

F. TRAVELLERS – CAUTION ON REAL ESTATE PURCHASE

• Laws and regulations of the Republic of Cyprus impose restrictions on purchasing property in the northern part of Cyprus (area not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus), following the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.
• Violators of these laws take the risk of being arrested upon arrival to the Republic of Cyprus, with being put on a trial and with being imprisoned in accordance with the penal code.
• Furthermore, violators of the above laws can face legal action in any of the European Union member states, with all its ramifications.
• Therefore, we draw the attention of individuals intending to purchase property in the northern part of the island – it is highly recommended to seek legal advice from an independent and reliable source. You are also reminded that any business transactions are the executer’s sole responsibility.

G. ON ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE IN THE OCCUPIED PART OF CYPRUS WHICH IS NOT EFFECTIVELY CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS.