Şonya: No Funds Available to Resolve the Property Issue

Speaking on the programme Gündem on Kıbrıs Postası TV, hosted by Ulaş Barış, Şonya described the property issue as the greatest obstacle to solving the Cyprus problem. “The resolution is not necessarily tied to a comprehensive agreement — it’s about peace of mind. This issue must be resolved regardless,” he said.

“Unrealistic Claims Are Being Thrown Around”

Şonya stressed the need for efficient action to avoid delays in justice, warning that neither the courts nor the prison system could handle a scenario involving 20,000–25,000 individuals. “This is a very complex issue. And now, all kinds of unnecessary claims are being made,” he said.

He also criticised Democratic Party MP Serhat Akıpınar’s suggestion that the crossing points between North and South Cyprus be closed, saying the seriousness of the matter must be properly understood and responded to accordingly. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) functions effectively.

“There Is No Money to Resolve the Property Issue”

Şonya plainly stated that there are no financial resources available to comprehensively resolve the property issue. “It must be resolved through alternative and urgent methods,” he said, adding that relying solely on the IPC to carry the full burden is unrealistic. He mentioned that the solution should not depend entirely on compensation, exchange, or return mechanisms.

He noted that only around 5–6% of Greek Cypriots actually wish to return to properties located in Turkish-controlled areas. “Statements like ‘we want our properties back’ only serve to muddy the waters,” he said, arguing that such a mindset makes a possible solution even more complicated.

“Restitution Should Not Be Treated as the Main Avenue for Redress”

Şonya warned against treating the restitution of immovable properties as the principal form of remedy, explaining:
“There are 465,000 donums of Turkish property and about 1.5 million properties in total. Under the Annan Plan, half of the Greek Cypriot properties would have been returned, which would have reduced the burden on the Turkish Cypriot state. The IPC should be expanded, and a proper property database should be established. Property exchanges should not be left solely to individual discretion. The property-related provisions in the Guterres Framework must be used as a point of reference.”

“The Greek Cypriot Side Has Established a Legally Sound Mechanism — On Paper”

Şonya acknowledged that the Greek Cypriot side has developed a legally sound mechanism for handling property claims that aligns with international legal standards. “They have created a mechanism that, on paper, works very well and is legally valid. In contrast, we’ve resorted to using terms and concepts that do not even exist in the international legal literature,” he said.

He added that the TRNC could file cases related to immovable property within the courts of the Republic of Cyprus, noting that while the process would be long, it is nonetheless a path that should be pursued.