World leaders made many pledges to end the isolation of North Cyprus following Turkish Cypriots' vote in favour of the Annan Plan during the referenda of 24 April 2004 (click here to read our World Promises report). To date, there have been no international remedies to the barriers that have denied Turkish Cypriots direct trade links to other world markets, a situation they have endured for over four decades.

The European Union has tried to improve trade between the two sides on the island with its Green Line Directive, passed on 29 April 2004. The current level of trade between the two sides remains low in comparison to their other trade parties, averaging at €500,000 per month.

Even with the lifting of the border restrictions between North & South Cyprus in 2003, the Greek Cypriot authorities continue to prevent non-EU visitors to the North from buying goods, including souvenirs, and bringing them back into South Cyprus. Anyone caught is fined and the goods confiscated.