The property issue will be resolved through a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, according to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, who, in a post on Thursday, commented on reports in the Greek Cypriot media regarding “efforts by the Greek Cypriot leadership to obstruct or hinder Greek Cypriot applications to the ‘immovable property committee.’”
The Turkish Cypriot leader states that the “commission” is a mechanism through which Greek Cypriots can submit applications regarding their property rights from the period prior to the solution, noting that it is recognized by the European Court of Human Rights as “an effective domestic remedy in accordance with international law.” Maintaining such a mechanism unilaterally under these circumstances is certainly not easy. However, while it does not directly affect the substance of the matter, we have addressed any shortcomings that have arisen and will strengthen the committee even more quickly.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Mr. Erhurman also notes that on the Greek Cypriot side, there is no similar mechanism for evaluating Turkish Cypriots’ claims regarding their real estate that remains in the free areas. “To those who try to use other mechanisms, they are generally told to wait until ‘after the solution’ to obtain their rights. Given this, why are applications to the immovable property commission—which has been approved by the ECHR—being blocked?” he asks.
He also questions why efforts are being made to resolve the property issue through criminal means, resorting to methods that would lead to consequences restricting the freedom of private citizens. “Do such initiatives lead to the building of trust between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, or to tensions?”
Under these circumstances, he continues, “does the law serve as a means of protecting individual rights or political interests? We explain this tirelessly, ceaselessly, to all our counterparts in the international community. And we will continue to do so—much more so, and much more effectively,” he concluded.
Source: CNA
