Antonis Loizou Reader's questions Cyprus Weekly 23-29 Nov 07

[marion]

Nigel, just got back from a trip to Cyprus and was gobsmacked to read the following in this week's Cyprus Weekly:

"Mr Loizou I have read a book which was published on the web site of Cyprus Property Auction Group regarding Cyprus. I was so curious that I bought it for £14 to see what it is all about. Have you read this objectionable book Mr Loizou, since I felt quite disgusted on its contents and I cannot, but feel, that this is a planted job, including my reservations that the writer may have been encouraged by the occupied Turkish army."

I cannot find a Cyprus Property Auction Group and can only assume that the writer means Cyprus Property Action Group. Which then leads one to assume he is referring to your book. But the comments cannot possibly refer to your book... especially the reference to the occupied Turkish army. I'm utterly confused... as will be other readers of this column.

Any comments? Can you get a retraction/apology?

Marion

[Nigel Howarth]

Hi Marion,

I did see the letter in the Cyprus Weekly. He goes on and on saying how he's bought a copy of my book and he dislikes the way it's been written. But facts are facts, perhaps they're a bit too close to the bone for his liking.

I don't know what sort of childish, silly games Mr Loizou playing - the whole question is a complete fabrication:

• I have a database of all those people who have bought my book. And I can assure you that neither Loizou nor Harris have bought a copy.
  
  According to Harris, it costs £14. That's another mistake - it actually costs £15.99.
  
  Finally, you can't buy the book in Cyprus because 'Nochex' will not accept payments made here.

Perhaps the next time he tries to hang me, he'll have enough common sense to get his facts right!

I don't believe it's worth asking for a retraction or an apology. It would only show him as being a complete idiot.

But he did get one thing right! I have a couple of battalions of Turkish soldiers hidden in my garage.

Cheers,

[MC]

The mind boggles. I find it hard to comprehend that comments as described above are given the dignity of publication in a newspaper. I am not familiar with the piece in question however or the context in which the comments were made.
Could it be that the vast numbers of dissatisfied buyers passing comment is having an adverse effect on property & land sales.

[Nigel Howarth]

Could it be that the vast numbers of dissatisfied buyers passing comment is having an adverse effect on property & land sales.

Yes, the bad news is certainly spreading - and it's having an impact on property sales to the British buying public.

Have you got a crystal ball?

Cheers,