Speaking on “Morning News” on Kibris Postasi TV, he responded to a list published by the Greens in Greek Cypriot daily ‘Politis’, which targeted construction company owners and investors in the TRNC.
Gürcafer mentioned that his association had formed an independent team to monitor those arrested for allegedly building illegally on Greek Cypriot land in the north. However, he pointed out that there is no system within the government to closely monitor these developments. He also noted that the Immovable Property Commission IPC), established by the European Court of Human Rights in 2004, is not functioning effectively.
Gürcafer stated that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides is using this situation to secure his political future rather than focusing on a solution. He emphasised that the Turkish Cypriot side should discuss the solution model at the negotiation table. He also stressed that politics and the economy are inseparable and that the wrong policies will lead to negative economic consequences. He warned that insisting on the recognition of the TRNC as a condition for negotiations will negatively impact the economy, lead to more arrests by the Greek Cypriot side, and cause severe damage, especially in the tourism sector.
He predicted that pressure from the Greek Cypriot side will continue to increase, leading to more political and economic problems. He mentioned that a protest in the UK in September is being planned, which they are considering taking to Brussels as well. Gürcafer noted that retired diplomats are in constant contact with European Union officials and stressed that economic stability cannot be achieved without a final solution to the Cyprus issue. He added, “We have discussed these issues over and over“.
Gürcafer also warned that if the arrests extend beyond foreigners to include Turkish Cypriots, it could be a cause for war. He emphasised that not participating in negotiations would mean missing out on all opportunities.
