The “Rights Protection Initiative” held a protest at the Kermiya (Metehan) border checkpoint, demanding the release of individuals detained because of property sales and marketing activities. Banners in Turkish, Greek, and English were displayed, Yeniduzen reported. The protest began near the Civil Defence Organisation in Ortaköy, Nicosia, and ended at the Kermiya checkpoint, where a press statement was read. This statement was handed to officials to be delivered to the UN Peacekeeping Force and the EU.
The Rights Protection Initiative was formed by several organisations, including the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Union, the Cyprus Turkish Industrialists’ Union, and the Cyprus Turkish Bar Association, with support from other groups. The protest highlighted concerns about the recent detentions and urged a peaceful resolution to the ongoing property disputes.
During the demonstration, the statement, read by Cyprus Turkish Bar Association President Hasan Esendağlı, addressed the property issue. Esendağlı emphasised that the current economic actions taken by the Greek Cypriot side, particularly concerning property rights, were damaging reconciliation efforts. He added that Turkish Cypriots would continue to resist any moves that threatened their existence.
Esendağlı pointed out that they gathered to raise awareness about the injustices related to property disputes in North Cyprus. He expressed disappointment that, despite Turkish Cypriots’ efforts in negotiations like the Annan Plan referendum and the Crans-Montana talks, a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem had not been reached, largely due to the Greek Cypriot side’s reluctance to compromise.
Esendağlı criticised recent legal actions by the Greek Cypriot leadership against businesspeople in North Cyprus, describing these measures as politically motivated and a threat to stability. He stressed that the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), recognised by the European Court of Human Rights, provided a fair and effective solution for property disputes and should be the appropriate mechanism for resolving such issues.
He concluded by urging the international community to discourage actions that escalate tensions, such as the detention of businesspeople, and called for a focus on dialogue and legal processes.
