Erhürman: Property Issue Can Only Be Resolved Through a Comprehensive Settlement

Erhürman pointed to reports in the Greek Cypriot press suggesting that the Greek Cypriot leadership was seeking to prevent or make it more difficult for Greek Cypriots to apply to the IPC.

Reiterating that the Cyprus property issue could only be fully resolved through a comprehensive settlement, Erhürman said the IPC had nevertheless been established as a mechanism through which Greek Cypriots could pursue property claims during the period leading up to a settlement.

He recalled that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had recognised the IPC as an effective domestic remedy compatible with international law, adding that maintaining such a mechanism unilaterally under the current circumstances was not easy.

Erhürman said shortcomings that had emerged in the commission’s operation without affecting its substance had been addressed over time, adding that they would further strengthen and accelerate the work of the IPC.

“There Is No Similar Mechanism in the South”

Erhürman noted that there was no similar mechanism in the south for addressing the property claims of Turkish Cypriots whose properties are located there.

He said those seeking to pursue their rights through other means were generally directed towards “after the settlement”.

Against this backdrop, Erhürman questioned why applications to the IPC, which had been recognised as an appropriate remedy by the ECHR, were being sought to be prevented.

He also warned that treating the property issue as if it could be resolved through criminal law could have serious consequences.

Erhürman said it should be questioned whether resorting to measures that could result in restrictions on the freedom of individuals would contribute to building trust between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots or instead increase tensions.

He also raised the question of whether the law was being used as an instrument to protect individuals’ rights or as a tool of politics.

“We explain this continuously, without stopping, without getting tired and without giving up, to all our interlocutors in the international community. And we will continue to do so — much more and much more effectively,” Erhürman said.