Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has argued that the property issue cannot be resolved through lawsuits brought by either community, insisting that it must be addressed as part of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
In a social media post responding to recent developments, Erhürman accused the Greek Cypriot leadership of attempting to use the law as a political tool.
He said lawsuits filed by Greek Cypriots against Turkish Cypriots, or by Turkish Cypriots against Greek Cypriots, could not resolve a dispute rooted in the island’s unresolved political division.
Erhürman said Turkish Cypriots had clearly demonstrated their willingness to reach a settlement in 2004 and during the negotiations in 2017. Had an agreement been reached, he argued, the process of resolving property claims would already be well advanced.
He also referred to the Immovable Property Commission in the north, saying it provides for restitution, exchange and compensation pending a comprehensive settlement.
The Turkish Cypriot leader described the use of legal proceedings for political purposes as unacceptable, particularly at a time when the sides have expressed support for the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Erhürman said the Turkish Cypriot side also had the ability to pursue legal action over property claims but maintained that both communities should avoid using the courts to generate political pressure or influence domestic opinion.
He further argued that the consequences of the Cyprus conflict, including missing persons, displacement and property losses, had affected both communities. He claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side had avoided approaches targeting individuals over unresolved political disputes.
Erhürman said his side would continue to support Guterres’ efforts while also accelerating its preparations for dealing with the property issue in the event that no settlement is reached.
