The government has never stopped caring for the needs of Cypriot refugees, despite economic hardships it encounters due to the world financial crisis, President Demetris Christofias said today.

The President was speaking during an event to grant lease certificates to displaced beneficiaries, at the Dromolaxia-Meneou Municipality, near Larnaca.

In his address, President Christofias noted that the government continues to support the refugees and the vulnerable groups of the population, amid very difficult times.

“The economic crisis underpins the state’s obligation to stand by its citizens, through the adoption of targeted social policies. We will continue to work towards this direction” the President said.

He noted moreover that the government wants all lease certificate holders to acquire title deeds the soonest, and added that if this is not possible, then they will receive a land plot in return.

Therefore, the President went on, the government proceeds with its planning for the division of plots in various areas of the country, to offset temporary tenants.

He said that the government has allocated so far 1,900 plots, compared to 1,332 plots given during the 2003-2007 period. Out of these, 388 plots have been divided, while the division of the rest of the plots is in an advanced stage, the President noted.

President Christofias added furthermore that 498 new plots have been allocated in 2012, while plans are underway to divide 911 new plots all over the island, to cover the needs of all beneficiaries who received approval or those who will get it soon.

He also said that the lease certificates’ policy is a novelty of the present government, aiming at reinforcing the solvency of refugees. Through this policy, he added, tenants may utilize their residences to secure loans from financial institution.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey occupied 36,2 percent of the sovereign territory of the Republic and forcibly expelled about 180.000 Greek Cypriots from their homes. Another 20.000 Greek Cypriots, who had remained in the occupied areas, were also forced to eventually abandon their homes and seek refuge in the safety of the government controlled areas.

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