PM Ustel: French Court Ruling Confirms The TRNC’s Sovereign Rights

Ustel described the French judiciary’s refusal to extradite an Iranian-born Turkish Cypriot investor, who had been detained in France under a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Greek Cypriot Administration, as a significant legal development.

In a written statement, Ustel emphasised that the French court based its ruling on the fact that European Union law is suspended and not applicable in the north of Cyprus, thereby confirming established legal views that the European Arrest Warrant cannot produce legal consequences with regard to the TRNC.

He said the decision of the French Court of Appeal clearly demonstrated that the Greek Cypriot Administration has no authority to create property-based criminal offences, seek arrests or conduct criminal proceedings in TRNC territory over which it has no sovereign jurisdiction. He added that the ruling also confirmed the TRNC’s sovereign rights in the north.

The statement also highlighted the importance of the Immovable Property Commission, which has been operating effectively thanks to financial resources created and strong financial contributions provided during the current government’s term. Ustel noted that the Commission continues to function in line with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and maintains its status as an effective and mandatory domestic remedy for property disputes.

Ustel stated that approximately one third of the total compensation paid by the Immovable Property Commission to date has been covered during the current government’s term, adding that this clearly shows the Commission has been strengthened as a functioning, reliable and effective domestic legal remedy for the TRNC.

He said the ruling once again clarified where and on what legal basis the property issue can be resolved, stressing that attempts by the Greek Cypriot Administration to exert political and legal pressure through criminal law mechanisms in areas where it has no authority have no standing in international law.

Ustel concluded by reaffirming the government’s determination to protect all the humanitarian rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, stating that it will continue to act on the basis of the rule of law, defend its legitimate position within the framework of international law, and further strengthen the effectiveness of the Immovable Property Commission.