CYPRUS: EU COURT'S VAROSHA DECISION STIRS CONTROVERSY
Contemplates Restitution of Varosha Properties to Greek Cypriots Following EU Court Decision
Turkish-Occupied Varosha might open its gates to Greek Cypriot property owners, following a significant ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The court ordered Turkey to compensate a Greek Cypriot company for losses due to property in Varosha, a once-thriving coastal resort town that's been ghostly silent for 46 years.
The ECHR, though holding Turkey accountable since the area is under Ankara's control, recognized the Turkish Cypriot Immovable Property Commission (IPC) as a valid domestic remedy for Greek Cypriots seeking restitution or compensation. This move left Greek Cypriots disappointed with the decision, while Turkish Cypriot authorities welcomed the endorsement.
Amid the backdrop of ongoing arrests by Greek Cypriot authorities of individuals involved in property transactions in Turkish-occupied Cyprus, the ECHR's recognition of the IPC as a legal route for resolution strengthened the Turkish Cypriot position.
Erhan Arıklı, leader of the Rebirth Party (YDP) and junior partner in the Turkish Cypriot coalition government, suggested lifting Varosha's military status to enable Greek Cypriot property owners to reclaim their properties via the IPC, under Turkish Cypriot administration. Arıklı proposed that this move could provide a much-needed economic boost through reconstruction in the area.
Ankara referred to the ruling as a "timely response" to Greek Cypriot arrests. However, property conflicts remain among the most contentious issues in the long-divided island of Cyprus, with disputes over Greek Cypriot properties in the north sparking ongoing controversy, even leading to court cases against foreign nationals promoting illegal sales in the region.
Cyprus:
- Controversial Ruling: European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) recently ordered Turkey to pay €18,000 in damages to a Greek Cypriot company over property in Varosha, a coastal resort town that largely remains closed since 1974.
- Turkish Cypriot Immovable Property Commission: The ECHR recognized the IPC as a valid domestic remedy for Greek Cypriots seeking restitution or compensation.
- Backlash and Response: Greek Cypriots were disappointed by the continued recognition of the IPC as a valid remedy, while Turkish Cypriots welcomed the decision.
- Economic Boost: Suggestion to lift Varosha's military status to enable reconstruction and reclaiming properties via the IPC, under Turkish Cypriot administration.
- Arrests and Ongoing Disputes: Greek Cypriot authorities continue arresting individuals involved in property transactions in Turkish-occupied Cyprus, underlining the ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding the region.
- The European Court of Human Rights' (ECHR) recognition of the Turkish Cypriot Immovable Property Commission (IPC) as a valid domestic remedy for human rights issues, like property restitution or compensation for Greek Cypriots, has sparked debate and controversy within policy-and-legislation and general-news circles.
- As the European Court of Human Rights orders Turkey to compensate Greek Cypriot property owners via an ECHR ruling, the suggestion to lift Varosha's military status to revitalize the area through reconstruction and property resolutions brings up broader questions about human rights, politics, and general-news concerning the long-divided island of Cyprus.
