Sibel Siber: Our Proposals on the Property Issue Were Rejected at the Time

Siber noted that the initiatives taken in those days were ignored and even criticized. She said, "Had my efforts been taken seriously back then, we wouldn't be facing these issues today. At least, not to this extent. I was criticized for being overly concerned with property issues."

"BURYING OUR HEADS IN THE SAND OVER PROPERTY ISSUES"

Siber reminded that the property issue was dismissed in the past by "burying our heads in the sand." She mentioned organizing numerous working meetings to address the property issue in compliance with international law, ensuring the smooth operation of IPC, and creating resources for property settlements.

"OUR PROPOSALS WERE CONTINUOUSLY REJECTED BY OUR AUTHORITIES"

Siber recalled participating in past meetings on the property issue. "Proposals and decisions, prepared in consultation with legal experts from the European Court of Human Rights and approved by Turkish authorities, were continually rejected by our officials," she stated.

"OUR PROPOSALS FOR LONG-TERM INTEREST-FREE LOANS AND EASING TITLE CONVERSION WERE REJECTED"

She highlighted that proposals for creating resources for the IPC, such as offering long-term interest-free loans from Turkey and facilitating the conversion of properties to Turkish titles, were rejected. "During my term as Speaker of Parliament, I proposed an amendment to the Acapulco law, allowing individuals to purchase property from Greek owners through the IPC. This too was rejected," Siber said.

"IF THESE EFFORTS WERE VALUED BACK THEN, WE WOULDN'T FACE THESE ISSUES TODAY"

Siber emphasized that during her term as Speaker of Parliament, efforts were made to make the IPC more functional, with one of the main goals being the conversion of Greek-held titles in the North to Turkish titles in compliance with international law. "Had these efforts been valued back then, we wouldn't face these issues to this extent today," she remarked.

"MANY GREEKS CAME TO ME COMPLAINING ABOUT DELAYS AT THE IPC"

She noted that the failure to resolve the Cyprus issue led to increased applications from Greek Cypriots to the IPC. "Many Greeks came to me during my term as Speaker of Parliament, complaining about delays at the IPC," Siber concluded.