Hasipoğlu: "Greek Cypriot Mentality Will Not Change; They Will Always See Us as a Minority"

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s "Morning News" program hosted by Canan Onurer, Hasipoğlu expressed his concerns about the ongoing property and real estate issues in Northern Cyprus.

Hasipoğlu addressed Christodoulides directly, questioning his commitment to sharing power and resources with Turkish Cypriots. He emphasized that the Greek Cypriot side still views Turkish Cypriots as a minority, similar to how they perceive Maronites and Armenians on the island.

"Christodoulides told me, 'What isolation are you talking about? You came here with a passport. We issue passports to all Cypriots, including Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, and Armenians. I do not acknowledge any embargo or isolation.' This response reveals the true solution model in his mind," Hasipoğlu stated.

He went on to stress that this mentality will prevent any viable solution from being reached, noting that property issues remain a significant topic in Cyprus. Hasipoğlu argued that if the Annan Plan had been accepted, the property problem could have been resolved.

For the Turkish Cypriot community, having a predictable property regime is crucial, according to Hasipoğlu. "Our people need to know that the land they have invested in belongs to them and that it is guaranteed by the state," he added.

Reflecting on the long-standing impasse in negotiations, Hasipoğlu mentioned the Orams case that began in 2009, during which time Mehmet Ali Talat was the president and negotiations were ongoing. Despite efforts, these talks ultimately failed, he said.

Hasipoğlu criticized the Greek Cypriot side for its lack of sincerity, particularly in the context of property rights and compensation. He highlighted that while the Turkish Cypriot side established the Immovable Property Commission to offer solutions and has paid out €470 million to Greek Cypriots, the Greek Cypriot administration has done nothing comparable for Turkish Cypriot properties.

Bringing the issue to international forums, Hasipoğlu emphasized the importance of highlighting the differences in the property regimes between the two sides on international platforms. He accused the Greek Cypriots of rejecting all solutions and then attempting to seek legal remedies, calling it an act of insincerity.

Concluding his remarks, Hasipoğlu recalled how 103 Turkish villages were plundered before 1974 by Greek Cypriots and criticized the ongoing debates in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) concerning Varosha (Maraş). He suggested that the Greek Cypriot side's consistent rejection of solutions is the reason for the unresolved Varosha issue.