Ersin Tatar: Our Property Regime Has Been Reaffirmed Once Again

President Tatar emphasized that in its decision in the “K.V. Mediterranean Tours Limited” case, the ECHR confirmed that the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) is an effective domestic remedy. “The IPC exists, it functions, and it produces solutions,” he said.

Tatar argued that the decision also shows how the pressure-based policy of Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Hristodoulides and the Greek Cypriot administration against the Turkish Cypriot people “has collapsed and lost its credibility.” He added, “This is not just a court ruling; it is also a warning. You cannot achieve a solution by ignoring and blockading the Turkish Cypriot side.”

Calling for unity across all segments of society, regardless of political view, Tatar said, “The IPC represents the Turkish Cypriot people’s trust in their own legal system. A Turkish Cypriot people who stand on their own feet is what frightens the Greek Cypriot leadership the most.”

Tatar shared his assessment of the ruling with the Turkish News Agency-Cyprus (TAK), emphasizing that the June 10, 2025, ruling once again underscored the effectiveness of the IPC as a legal avenue within Turkey.

“This Decision Has Reaffirmed the Legitimacy of Our Position”

“This ruling reaffirms the legitimacy of the legal and political struggle we have been waging for years. The existence, operation, and jurisdiction of the IPC is not being recognized for the first time; it has consistently been validated in previous ECHR decisions. What’s new here is the international reaffirmation of a legal body that the Greek Cypriot side has long tried to ignore,” he said. “The IPC exists, it works, and it produces results.”

Tatar noted the court made clear that restitution is not the only remedy, and that compensation and exchange are also valid forms of redress. He stressed this was a critical point: “For years, the Greek Cypriot side has portrayed ‘absolute restitution’ as a sacred right. This decision openly declares that this notion is no longer valid.”

“The ECHR affirms that compensation, exchange, and restitution—all three options offered by the IPC—are legitimate and human-rights-compliant remedies. Rather than illegal, unilateral demands, what should prevail are multi-faceted, fair, and reasonable approaches. This has reinforced both the existence and the legitimacy of the IPC,” Tatar said.

Regarding the court’s mention of delays and its finding that the process was broadly compatible with fair trial principles, Tatar commented:

“This Is an Opportunity for Us”

“I would say the ECHR took a balanced approach. It noted that some delays stemmed from the applicant while also pointing out areas where we must strengthen our institutions. This is an opportunity for us. The IPC is already a dynamic body, and we will do everything we can to make the processes more transparent, efficient, and swift. The key takeaway is the ECHR’s clear statement that the IPC does not violate the principles of fair trial but instead operates in accordance with international law.”

Tatar also highlighted the significance of the court’s endorsement of the IPC’s recognition of the Evkaf (Foundations Administration) as an intervening party in claims related to Varosha (Maraş), and its finding that the involvement of High Administrative Court judges in such cases does not create a conflict of interest:

“This is one of the most striking elements of the ruling. The ECHR accepted that the Evkaf’s involvement in cases concerning historical property claims—particularly in Varosha—is legitimate, necessary, and in line with the principle of fair trial. This shows that the status of foundation properties, which we have supported for years with archival records, title deeds, and legal arguments, cannot be ignored under international law.”

“Likewise, the ECHR has rejected another frequent misrepresentation by the Greek Cypriot side: it confirmed that the participation of High Administrative Court judges in these cases does not pose a conflict of interest or compromise impartiality. This reflects international confidence in the independence and institutional integrity of the TRNC judiciary.”

A Message to the Greek Cypriot Administration

When asked how the Greek Cypriot leadership is likely to react to the ruling, Tatar replied:

“Mr. Hristodoulides and his administration have long instrumentalized human rights and international law to pursue a coercive policy against the Turkish Cypriot people. This ruling shows just how much that policy has collapsed and lost credibility. It is not just a court decision; it is also a warning: You cannot reach a solution by isolating or blockading the Turkish Cypriots.”

“The blockade policy pursued by the Greek Cypriot side goes beyond simply preventing direct flights, trade, or contact. Through the property issue, they have tried to push our people out of the international system. This ruling exposes the illegality of that multi-layered policy. We raise this issue at every opportunity and platform—including with UN Secretary-General António Guterres—because this is not just about property rights. It’s a matter of basic human rights, national will, existence, and our future.”

A Call to the Public

Following the decision, Tatar made a public call:

“On this occasion, I once again call for unity across our people, no matter their views. The IPC represents our people’s trust in their own legal system. This decision shows that the strongest response to exclusionary, hostile, and oppressive policies lies in our own institutions. That’s why we must support and strengthen them and enhance internal solidarity. A Turkish Cypriot people standing on their own two feet is what scares the Greek Cypriot leadership most. They are targeting our economy and institutions because our self-sufficiency doesn’t align with their plans—but we will persevere.”

“Our vision for a solution is clear: There are two peoples, two democracies, and two sovereign states in Cyprus. This is a historical, geographical, political, and legal reality. A solution can only be achieved on the basis of sovereign equality and equal international status. The Turkish Cypriot people no longer believe in federation fairy tales. Decades of federal negotiations brought us nothing—they only solidified the Greek Cypriot side’s unjust and unlawful gains by force, while undermining our own status. That’s why we now advocate a realistic solution model that protects our dignity.”

“This vision is finding far more support internationally than many assume. Of course, recognition processes may take time in the short term, but what matters is to stay the course based on the will of the Turkish Cypriot people—on a path that forces the other side to face reality.”