At a press conference in London, the Initiative for the Protection of Rights, formed by six civil society organizations, emphasized that Greek Cypriots still have open access to property rights in the northern part of Cyprus. The press conference, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in the UK capital, underscored that recent arrests, made on the grounds of violating property rights, are in contradiction to international law.

Representatives from the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry, Cyprus Turkish Contractors Association, Cyprus Turkish Hoteliers Association, Cyprus Turkish Bar Association, and Cyprus Turkish Realtors Association attended the event. Hasan Esendağlı, President of the Cyprus Turkish Bar Association, read the press statement on behalf of the Initiative for the Protection of Rights.

In the statement, Esendağlı condemned the prolonged detention of 74-year-old businessman Şimon Aykut, who was arrested in relation to property disputes. He noted that the arrest violated human rights and further isolated the Turkish Cypriots, jeopardizing the credibility of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), which provides a legal remedy for Greek Cypriot property owners.

Esendağlı highlighted that, as of June 21, 2024, the IPC had resolved 1,787 cases, with over £446 million in compensation paid out, establishing a reliable legal framework for property transactions in Northern Cyprus. He further stressed the Republic of Cyprus' responsibility to recognize the legitimacy of the IPC.

The statement also criticized Greek Cypriot authorities for interfering with property transactions in the North, calling these actions a violation of international law and the European Convention on Human Rights. Such actions, the Initiative argued, heighten tensions on the island and hinder international efforts to find a comprehensive solution to the property issue.

The Initiative for the Protection of Rights plans to continue raising awareness about the property dispute in other European cities following the London event.

Source: KTIMB