The Economic Organisations Platform, comprising the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce, Cyprus Turkish Hoteliers Association, and Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry, has stated that resolving property issues through the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) remains the sole legal solution until the Cyprus issue is comprehensively resolved, Kibris Postasi reports.
In an announcement directed at the Greek Cypriot public, the EOP emphasised that legal actions initiated by the Greek Cypriot side against business people threaten the island’s peace.
The Economic Organisations Platform, consisting of leading economic entities in Northern Cyprus, highlighted in their statement that the IPC is the appropriate body for addressing real estate issues.
The announcement noted that the European Court of Human Rights has recognised the IPC in Northern Cyprus as a legitimate and valid means of resolving property disputes, underscoring the necessity for the Greek Cypriot side to adhere to this.
The EOP stressed that the detention of business people with investments or activities in Northern Cyprus’ real estate sector by the Greek Cypriot Administration poses a threat to peace on the island. They suggested that this Greek Cypriot action might be a response to the IPC’s accelerated efforts.
The statement outlined the legal framework surrounding the IPC’s establishment and operations, recalling the European Court of Human Rights’ Demopoulos* decision, which asserts that local authorities, being best positioned to evaluate conflicting interests, should handle decisions on immovable properties.
The EOP’s announcement also called on the European Union, reminding it of its commitment under Article 10 of the Accession Protocol to not hinder the economic development of Turkish Cypriots. It urged EU members to act against Greek Cypriot initiatives aimed at undermining the Turkish Cypriot economy.
The Greek Cypriot side attempts to escalate tensions with such actions every decade. The Cyprus property issue cannot be resolved by prosecuting and arresting individuals. The international community should recognise the futility of these actions, driven by internal political motives, and intervene against the recurring efforts by the Greek Cypriots to raise tensions.
*In 2010, regarding Demopoulos and others v. Turkey and seven similar cases, the European Court of Human Rights Grand Chamber declared the applicants’ claims inadmissible due to non exhaustion of domestic remedies; that is making applications to the IPC. [Ed.]
