President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday that the only real solution to property usurpations in the north is a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. He was responding to journalists after visiting the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia, which will host major events during Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency.
Asked to comment on statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, who claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side holds “files” regarding alleged usurpations of Turkish Cypriot properties in the south and that related prosecutions should cease, Christodoulides said the answer is clear.
He stressed that resolving these illegalities must be done “on the basis of international law and decisions by the European Court of Human Rights,” adding that this can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement.
“My message to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, to their leader and to Turkey is in no way a threat,” he said. “If there is genuine political will, I invite them to the negotiating table so that, through negotiations, the Cyprus problem can be resolved and all these illegalities, which have existed for 51 years, can be addressed.”
Tensions in the buffer zone
Commenting on reports of harassment of Greek Cypriot farmers in the buffer zone by Turkish occupation forces, Christodoulides confirmed he had been briefed on a “serious incident” that occurred on Monday night, which he also condemned publicly.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with the affected farmer since the incident, and that authorities are coordinating closely with the United Nations and the Cyprus Police.
“This was an unacceptable act,” he said. “Beyond informing the United Nations from the very first moment, we are taking all necessary measures, with our top priority being the safety of residents and the farmers working in those areas.”
When asked about the apparent contradiction between this incident and the mutual understanding reached during his recent meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader to avoid actions that escalate tension, the President said the issue will be raised at their next meeting.
He emphasised that such actions undermine efforts to create the environment needed to restart negotiations.
“These are pirate-like actions,” he concluded, “and they were carried out by the Turkish occupying army.”
Source: CNA