Initiative for the Protection of Rights Holds Demonstration for Property Rights

The demonstration began near the Civil Defense Organization in Ortaköy, Nicosia, with participants marching to the Metehan crossing point while holding banners. After a press statement was read, the message was handed over to officials to be delivered to the UN Peacekeeping Force and the European Union.

The demonstration was supported by organizations including the Cyprus Turkish Contractors Association, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry, Cyprus Turkish Hoteliers Association, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce, Cyprus Turkish Bar Association, and Cyprus Turkish Real Estate Association.

During the protest, the press statement was read in both Turkish and English, emphasizing that the property issue could be resolved through the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) and criticizing the Greek Cypriot side's use of the property issue as part of an economic attack, which is seen as undermining reconciliation efforts. The statement also reiterated the determination to resist any attempts aimed at the extinction of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Hasan Esendağlı, President of the Cyprus Turkish Bar Association, delivered the statement, noting that they gathered to raise awareness about the property issues and injustices in Northern Cyprus.

Esendağlı: "We Are Here to Highlight the Property Issues and Injustices in Northern Cyprus"

Esendağlı pointed out that the property issue in Cyprus extends beyond a local problem, stressing its international significance concerning human rights and justice. Despite the Turkish Cypriots' sincere efforts during the Annan Plan referendum and Crans-Montana negotiations, a comprehensive solution has not yet been reached.

"The main obstacle is the Greek Cypriot community's reluctance to compromise, which exposes the unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriots. While the international community acknowledges this injustice, no concrete steps have been taken to lift the isolation," Esendağlı stated.

He expressed concern over recent legal actions initiated by the Greek Cypriot leadership against businesspeople operating in Northern Cyprus, warning that these actions could threaten stability on the island. "Using the law as a political weapon is heightening tensions and undermining reconciliation efforts," Esendağlı said.

IPC Continues to Provide an Effective Decision-Making Mechanism

Esendağlı emphasized that the IPC, recognized by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) as an effective remedy, continues to offer a fair and efficient solution to property claims. He explained that the property issue is directly linked to the Cyprus problem and should be addressed through comprehensive negotiations. He condemned the arrests and criminal proceedings against Turkish Cypriots and foreign investors, noting that such actions are not a viable solution and contradict ECHR rulings.

Esendağlı concluded by calling on the international community to encourage the "Republic of Cyprus" to avoid actions that escalate tensions, such as the arrests of Turkish Cypriots, European citizens, and other foreign investors, and to refrain from using the law as a weapon.

He also highlighted the recent arrest and detention of businessman Şimon Aykut, as well as the arrests of Ewa Künzel, Ilona Lesko, and Melinda Ladanyi, stating that these violations of fundamental human rights not only harm the economic standing of Turkish Cypriot businesspeople but also jeopardize their significant role in the economy.

In closing, Esendağlı stressed the need to remain committed to international law and resolve all unresolved issues through dialogue. He also reiterated their determination to resist any initiatives aimed at the destruction of the Turkish Cypriot community.