Arıklı: “According to the Greek Cypriots, 80% of TRNC Citizens Are Potential Criminals”

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Arıklı announced that they plan to issue a declaration urging President Ersin Tatar not to attend the upcoming summit in Geneva, particularly in light of the recent surge in property lawsuits.

Highlighting the significance of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) following the latest ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, Arıklı emphasized the need to increase the commission’s financial resources. He proposed revisiting the idea of a “betterment tax” to fund compensation payments.

“For instance, let’s say you’ve acquired a disputed property previously owned by a Greek Cypriot. You apply to the IPC to legalize and register it. Once its value is assessed, you pay your share. Turkey had once proposed covering 80% of the payment, while the remaining 20% would be paid by the occupant. Such a property’s value would increase fivefold,” Arıklı explained. “But successive governments have refused this model, and Turkey has gradually reduced its funding for the IPC. We need to revive it—let’s offer loans to those who need the funds. No one should be worried about their property anymore.”

Calling the IPC one of the most important gains since the 1974 Peace Operation, Arıklı stressed the importance of the Demopoulos v. Turkey ruling, which acknowledges the IPC’s legitimacy in dealing with restitution, compensation, and property exchange.

Arıklı also issued a stark warning about travel to South Cyprus, stating, “According to the Greek Cypriot administration, 80% of TRNC citizens are considered potential criminals. Those with concerns should avoid taking this risk.” He advised those facing potential arrest not to travel via South Cyprus, citing affordability as an insufficient justification.

He concluded by expressing concern that the recent detentions of Turkish Cypriots in the South could severely damage prospects for a federal solution and may significantly reduce future intercommunal crossings.