Özersay: Christodoulides’s Stance on Property Issue a Lifeline for Tatar

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s “Gündem” programme, hosted by Ulaş Barış, Özersay called for the establishment of an independent fund for the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), accusing the Greek Cypriot side of obstructing the commission and thereby violating European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings. He also announced that HP would make its final decision on the upcoming presidential election at a party council meeting in early July.

“Christodoulides’s Stance on Property a Lifeline for Tatar”

Commenting on the extraordinary session of the Republic Assembly, which was held behind closed doors with President Ersin Tatar in attendance, Özersay said it was likely that a parliamentary resolution would be adopted to establish a joint stance on the property issue. However, he criticised the timing of the move, noting that the matter was only brought to the public’s attention after legal proceedings had already begun, and at a time when the world was focused on wars elsewhere. He argued that the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides’s approach to the issue had inadvertently bolstered Tatar’s position ahead of the presidential election.

“Finance Ministry Is Using IPC Funds for Salaries”

Stressing that the IPC is still recognised by the ECHR as an effective domestic remedy, Özersay called for accurate interpretation of the court’s decisions. He criticised delays in implementing rulings and said compensation payments must be expedited. To this end, he advocated for a new, independent fund, while noting that the existing fund was being diverted by the Finance Ministry for public salary payments.

“Greek Cypriots Violating ECHR by Blocking Property Exchange”

Özersay argued that a fair balance requires the establishment of a joint committee between the two communities. He emphasised the importance of Turkish Cypriots being able to carry out property exchanges via the IPC in the absence of a comprehensive settlement, while also stating that the Greek Cypriot side must implement a similar mechanism for equal footing. He accused the Greek Cypriots of violating ECHR rulings by obstructing the IPC and criticised the lack of action before the Council of Europe on this matter.

Addressing regional developments, Özersay described the tension between Iran and Israel as a “de facto war,” warning that the radical religious tendencies of both regimes are accelerating a move away from democracy and increasing the risk of conflict. While he noted that the presence of nuclear weapons lowers the likelihood of full-scale war, he stressed that the irrational decisions of certain leaders continue to pose serious regional threats.

Final Decision on Presidency to Be Made in July

On the topic of the upcoming presidential election, Özersay said HP would make its final decision at the party council meeting in early July. He emphasised that HP’s real strength lies not in focusing solely on the election but in its effective opposition work on the ground.

He also remarked that the prospects for a comprehensive settlement remain very low under current circumstances. In the context of the presidential election, he noted that any ideological approach diverging from Turkey’s position would make it more difficult for Turkey to participate in a comprehensive solution. Özersay concluded by affirming that it was only natural for HP to have aspirations of governing the country.