Talat: “The Real Issue Is Not Construction but Where the Greek Cypriots Found This Boldness”

Speaking to TV2020, Talat pointed out the irony that the very groups who once challenged the IPC before the Constitutional Court are now clinging to it. “At the time, the Turkish Foreign Ministry advised against taking the IPC to court, but they didn’t listen. Now, their only legal pillar is this law,” he said.

“Christodoulides Is a Sworn Opponent of a Settlement”

Talat described Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides as a staunch opponent of a comprehensive solution. Recalling the era of former Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos, he noted: “Even Papadopoulos had brought in technical experts for solution planning in 2005, yet no progress was made. To claim the Greek Cypriots are making these moves just to destroy our economy is an exaggeration. The real question is: where did they find this boldness? That’s what we need to understand.”

“The Economy Cannot Be Explained by Construction Alone”

Talat emphasized that the property issue in the TRNC is deeply tied to its overall economic structure. “Eighty percent of the land in the North is of Greek Cypriot origin, and only twenty percent is Turkish Cypriot-owned. It’s impossible to achieve sustainable development using only the 20% of titled land. Greek Cypriot property use is necessary for economic growth—but this isn't just about construction. Linking the entire economy to the construction sector is an exaggeration,” he explained.

“Even With a Two-State Policy, We Must Sit at the Table”

Addressing recent remarks by YDP leader Erhan Arıklı, Talat reiterated the importance of dialogue. “A state—recognized or not—has the right to expropriate land for public interest, and the TRNC uses that right,” he said. But he warned against retaliatory approaches: “If we start arresting people through Turkey for using Greek Cypriot properties, then no Turkish Cypriot will feel safe. They won’t be able to travel to Europe. Eye-for-an-eye policies won't work. Right now, they're targeting developers. But if it continues, everyone will be at risk.”

Talat also highlighted the legal asymmetry between the two sides: “They use properties we left behind, and we’ve made no legal claim over them. The rational path forward is to return to the negotiating table, regardless of whether a two-state policy is being pursued,” he concluded.