Arıklı: “We Can Prosecute Greek Cypriots Using Turkish Property in the South”

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s Sabah Postası programme, Arıklı—who also serves as chairman of the Rebirth Party (YDP)—commented on the European Court of Human Rights’ June 10 ruling in K.V. Mediterranean Tours Limited v. Türkiye and addressed wider property-related issues.

“The ECHR Ruling Is a Warning for Us”

Arıklı acknowledged that the Court had pointed to delays in compensation payments by the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), describing the decision as a “warning” for the Turkish Cypriot side. He stated that efforts were underway to address these delays and that Prime Minister Ünal Üstel would soon announce the outcome of these efforts.

“We Can Conduct Trials Against Greek Cypriots Using Turkish Properties”

Referring to the post-1974 population exchange, Arıklı said, “Had a property exchange been conducted at the time, we would not be facing today’s property disputes.” Criticizing what he described as the unilateral initiative taken by the Greek Cypriot side in peace-related matters, Arıklı continued:

“Just as they take legal action against Turkish users of Greek property, we can do the same—file lawsuits, conduct trials, and issue convictions against Greek Cypriots using Turkish-owned properties.”

“The ECHR Ruling Opens the Door for Former Residents to Access Varosha”

Addressing the status of Varosha (Maraş), Arıklı reiterated his party’s long-standing position that the area could be opened for use by its former residents under Turkish Cypriot control and United Nations oversight. “The ECHR ruling paves the way for this,” he said.

Arıklı also proposed that the military status of Varosha could be lifted via a Council of Ministers decision, transferring the area to the IPC. He noted that over 600 applications have already been filed by Greek Cypriots and claimed that opening Varosha for settlement could generate as much as €4 billion for the Turkish economy.

“We Will Consult Turkey on Arrest Warrants Regarding Property Disputes”

Finally, Arıklı revealed that they are considering issuing arrest warrants for Greek Cypriots using Turkish-owned property in the south and emphasized that all such steps would be coordinated with Ankara.

“We must consult with Turkey before taking any such action.”