Özersay: Environment Won't Improve as Long as Property Arrests Continue

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s ‘Agenda’ program with host Ulaş Barış, Özersay underlined the importance of avoiding populism on such issues and stated, "The parties conveyed their views to each other."

"THE ENVIRONMENT WON'T IMPROVE AS LONG AS ARRESTS IN PROPERTY CASES CONTINUE"

Noting that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres indicated that a dialogue process could begin even without a common ground, Özersay asserted that the situation in southern Cyprus regarding property arrests would prevent any improvement in the environment.

He added that the current status quo is not sustainable and expressed his belief that "the best solution is one that both sides accept."

Özersay further emphasized that the Greek Cypriot political elite cannot impose a unitary state or their preferred version of a federal solution on the Turkish side, just as the Turkish side cannot impose a solution based on maintaining the current status quo with two states.

"A MORE CONFEDERAL STRUCTURE OR A COOPERATION THAT EVOLVES INTO A PARTNERSHIP IS POSSIBLE"

Özersay pointed out that there should be efforts to find common ground between these two positions and remarked, "A two-state solution in its current form is not realistic."

He also mentioned that negotiations should address land, property, security, and how EU law will apply across the island. "Neither a complete federation nor a complete two-state solution, but rather a more confederal structure or one where the cooperation of two states evolves into a partnership, is possible," he concluded.