Arıklı: "It Is Time to Take the Upper Hand in the Property Issue"

In a statement shared on social media, Arıklı recalled that the YDP had included the Maraş initiative in its founding programme in 2016. He said the party’s plan envisioned opening the area for settlement under Turkish administration, with a special status and under UN supervision, in line with the 2010 Demopoulos ruling by the European Court of Human Rights.

Arıklı noted that the details of the plan were shared with Turkish officials and the foreign ministry and emphasized that the formula does not prevent foundations claiming rights over Maraş from pursuing legal recourse under international law. He added that in successful court cases, compensation would remain an option.

He also cited the 2018 case of Greek Cypriot claimant Nikolas Skurdis, who returned to his property in Kozanköy (Larnakas tis Lapithou), as a successful example of the formula’s implementation.

Stating that the only requirement for opening Maraş for settlement is a Council of Ministers decision to lift its military zone status and transfer the area to the Immovable Property Commission, Arıklı concluded: “The rest would follow like a domino effect. In my opinion, now is the right time to take the upper hand in the property issue.”