Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has responded to criticism over his remarks on the property issue following the departure of the UN Secretary-General on Wednesday, arguing that his comments had been interpreted without considering his position in full.
In a social media post on Thursday evening, Erhürman said that, both as a lawyer and as a human being, he does not view loss, conflict or the property issue solely through the suffering experienced by Turkish Cypriots.
“At the same time, as a lawyer and as a human being, I will never accept or turn a blind eye to these and similar issues being examined solely through the suffering of Greek Cypriots,” he wrote.
Opposition to injustice on both sides
Erhürman said that just as he has consistently opposed injustices related to property in the “north”, he also opposes injustices committed in the “south”.
“And I will continue to do so,” he added.
He said that, as someone seeking a solution rather than further tension on the island, he could not regard a person facing an arrest warrant or a “summons for questioning” as responsible for Cyprus’ political problem. Nor, he added, could he view such action as “just” or as a contribution to confidence-building.
Arrests over the property issue
Erhürman also said he did not consider reciprocity involving arrests and imprisonment to be appropriate.
“When I say ‘I do not consider it right’, that is exactly what I mean,” he said, noting that he had made the same point on Wednesday and had emphasised the word “never”.
“Because of the unresolved property issue in Cyprus, I neither want, wish nor seek for anyone from the south or the north to be arrested, summoned for questioning or forced to live with the fear of arrest,” he wrote, also referring to the impact on the families and children of those affected.
Erhürman said his response was addressed “with respect and affection to all my friends who have criticised me and expressed their views”.
Criticism from Turkish Cypriot press
Turkish Cypriot newspapers Bağımsız and Vatan carried Erhürman’s statements, while Avrupa criticised his position.
The newspaper argued that Turkish Cypriot properties in the government-controlled areas have so far been granted rights of use rather than ownership titles, while property titles issued in the north are widely recognised as invalid.
It also said that Turkish Cypriots holding properties of “equal value”, referring to property left in the government-controlled areas, have not been prosecuted. According to the report, the cases pursued so far have involved nationals of third countries.
Avrupa accused Erhürman of overlooking these distinctions, equating the positions of the two sides and then arguing that the property issue did not amount to hostage-taking by only one side.
Source: CNA.
