£106 Million Paid for 230 Property Applications by the IPC

IPC Chairperson Növber Veçhi stated that the Commission has concluded 2,171 applications since its establishment and approved compensation payments amounting to £538,005,407 to date.

Veçhi emphasised that the Commission processes applications as swiftly as possible and noted that its decisions are recognised by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). She added that detentions related to property ownership contradict the European Convention on Human Rights and the Court's rulings.

Speaking to the Turkish News Agency-Cyprus (TAK), Veçhi provided detailed information about the IPC’s establishment, procedures, applications, and rulings.

Over 2,000 Applications Resolved

Veçhi reported that the IPC has received a total of 8,160 applications, with 2,171 of them finalised. Compensation approved so far totals £538,005,407. She clarified that the Commission is not responsible for the disbursement of compensation, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance. She added that they are aware that around two-thirds of the approved compensation has been paid.

Ten applications submitted under Law No. 13-2008, commonly referred to as the “Acapulco Law,” were also reviewed by the Commission. This law allows individuals who have leased Greek Cypriot property for over three years to locate the rightful owner, draft a sales contract, apply to the Commission for approval, and make the payment directly to acquire the property.

Applications Concluded Efficiently

Highlighting the importance of complete documentation in expediting the process, Veçhi said the Commission handles all incoming applications with urgency.

Aside from compensation, the Commission has ruled for restitution in five applications, exchange and compensation in two, restitution and compensation in eight, and post-settlement restitution in one case.

Veçhi stated that, according to the Ministry of Finance, all decisions made up to the end of 2020 have been paid, and payments for decisions issued in 2021 are ongoing.

She also stressed that the IPC operates transparently and remains open to all applicants. Veçhi criticised misleading media reports that she said distort public understanding of the Commission’s work.

“Detentions Are Political and Contradict ECHR Decisions”

Veçhi said that the ECHR has recognised the Commission’s decisions, which she described as a positive development. She condemned recent detentions related to former Greek Cypriot properties in the north, calling them political and contrary to both ECHR rulings and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Citing the landmark Demopoulos case, Veçhi explained that Greek Cypriots are presented with two options: either apply to the IPC or await a political settlement. She said detentions despite the existence of the Commission are politically motivated and damage its credibility.

Established as an Effective Domestic Remedy

The IPC was established in 2005 through the enactment of Law No. 67-2005 and began operations in 2006. It was founded in response to numerous ECHR applications by Greek Cypriots following the Loizidou judgment.

To alleviate its caseload, the ECHR encouraged the creation of a domestic legal remedy. The IPC was recognised as such by the ECHR, provided it met required standards. According to Veçhi, the Demopoulos ruling of 1 March 2010 confirmed the IPC as an effective domestic remedy for property claims concerning Greek Cypriot-owned property in the north.

The IPC consists of a Chairperson, Deputy Chair, three Turkish Cypriot members, and two foreign members, whose inclusion is intended to ensure impartiality. Veçhi noted that both foreign members are experts in their fields.

Three Options for Applicants

The IPC offers three remedies: compensation, exchange, and restitution. Applications are initially submitted to the Ministry of Interior, which prepares an evaluation report and forwards it to the Attorney General's Office. The final opinion is then sent to the IPC for review. Applications can be submitted individually or through legal representatives.

The Ministry’s opinion primarily addresses the details and valuation of the property. Once all necessary documents are complete, the application is reviewed by the Commission.

The proceedings are usually handled amicably. The burden of proof lies with the applicant, who must demonstrate ownership or inheritance rights.

Appeals and Legal Recourse

If an applicant does not accept the compensation offer made by the Ministry, the case proceeds to a formal hearing involving lawyers and witnesses. If unsatisfied with the IPC’s ruling, applicants may appeal to the High Administrative Court and, subsequently, the Court of Appeal. If all domestic remedies are exhausted, applicants retain the right to apply to the ECHR.

“Extraordinary Effort Under All Circumstances”

Veçhi emphasised the need for all parties to fulfill their responsibilities to ensure efficient case handling. Delays in submitting necessary documents or opinions can slow down the process.

She concluded by praising the efforts of the Ministry of Interior, the Attorney General’s Office, and the IPC staff, noting that the Commission operates under all conditions with exceptional dedication.

Kaynak: TAK