WASHINGTON, May 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department warned Tuesday people who buy property in northern Cyprus risk lawsuits from those displaced when the island was divided in 1974.
"Our consular information sheet cautions that American citizens who buy or lease property, particularly in northern Cyprus, may find their ownership challenged by people displaced in 1974, and advises that prospective buyers seek legal advice before buying," the department said in a statement.
Turkey has occupied Northern Cyprus since 1974, but last year Greek Cypriots rejected a U.N.-brokered deal to unite the island. Since then Washington has begun to take steps to normalize relations with the Turkish part of the island, which voted for the merger.
In June, a congressional delegation headed by two Democrats, Reps. Robert Wexler of Florida and Wayne Edward Whitefield of Kentucky, is to visit Turkey and will afterward travel to the occupied part of Cyprus.
The Cypriot government has called the proposed visit a breach of international law and U.N. resolutions.
The delegation comprises members of the ''Friends of Turkey Group'' in the U.S. Congress.
