NICOSIA – The European Commission said it would allow fuel for personal use to be taken across the dividing Green Line on Cyprus which separates the Greek-Cypriot side – a member of the European Union – to the northern third occupied since 1974 after unlawful Turkish invasions.

Commission spokesman Stefan de Kersmacker said there were conditions attached, including that the fuel in the car’s tank or a portable container can’t exceed 10 liters and the total value of the fuel is under 260 euros ($285.78.)

It wasn’t said how it would be determined how much gasoline in a car’s tank came from the other side nor how it would or could be regulated or enforced nor why it was being allowed only now.

Referring to the Green Line Regulation, he said it exempts goods carried in personal luggage by individuals crossing the Green Line from turnover tax, excise duty, and other duties.

But that exemption applies only if the goods are not of a commercial nature and their total value does not surpass the 260 euro limit and he added that goods are considered non-commercial if they are occasional purchases exclusively for personal use, without showing that they are imported for commercial purposes.