(A.W.)–A top ten bestselling music artist, Spanish singer Julio Iglesias zigzags continents to perform his concerts, most recently in his native Spain. But the tour-happy singer has angered some Turkish Cypriots by refusing to perform in the northern, occupied part of the island.
Iglesias had his reasons and is taking the matter to court. He is suing the Northern Cyprus authorities, the Istanbul-based company Net Holdings, and Voyager Kibris for deceit, according to Greek and Cypriot sources. The singer has charged that his inviters did not explain to him that the northern part of the island was under occupation, and that the concert would be illegal.
Net Holdings is the entertainment company in charge of bringing the artist over, and Voyager Kibris is the company that owns Merit Crystal Hotel and Casino. The hotel, located in Kyrenia, was originally owned by a Greek Cypriot and its name was “Zephyros,” however, during the occupation its current proprietors took hold of it and changed its name, noted a Cypriot source.
The lawsuit was filed in the Washington District Court by lawyer Athanasion Tsibidis on behalf of International Creative Talent Agency (ICTA), which represents Iglesias, wrote the Greek Reporter, adding that in the past, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake canceled their concerts once they learned of the political situation on the island.
Meanwhile, in Miami, Florida, a local law firm Astigarraga Davis has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Voyager, against ICTA, demanding the return of a $281,739 concert fee. Voyager has claimed that Iglesias cancelled his concert due to take place on Oct. 16, 2010, for security reasons, despite assurances given by authorities, reported the South Florida Business Journal.
Cyprus became divided after the Turkish invasion in 1974. Turkey is the only country that recognizes the northern portion as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
via Julio Iglesias Sues Northern Cyprus | Armenian Weekly.