Land Purchase Dispute: Stefánou vs. Israeli Ambassador

The Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus has denounced statements made by AKEL Secretary-General, Stefanos Stefanou, as anti-Semitic, concerning land purchases by Israeli citizens. St. Stefanou had expressed concerns about the uncontrolled sale of real estate to foreigners, making specific reference to practices by Israeli nationals and a "targeted expansion policy" in Cyprus.

Ambassador Oren Anolik responded that Stefanou's statements target the Jewish community and instill fear. He argued that criticism of Israeli policy is legitimate, but targeting a community is hatred.

St. Stefanou had stated that "if we do not take effective measures now, we will discover at some point that our country does not belong to us," emphasizing the need to control the purchase of real estate by foreigners.