For the first time, arrest warrants issued by the Republic of Cyprus for the exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories concern citizens of the Republic of Turkey, the Turkish Cypriot newspapers Avrupa, Halkin Sesi and Dialog write today, while those involved in their statements express concerns.
Olsan Oral, architect and shareholder of the “EDEN” project in the occupied Lefkoniko, which is the major investment to which the 4 new arrest warrants referred to by the Mayor of Lefkoniko relate, said that he and his associates are also concerned. “It is a 50 million pound project. We are concerned. There are promises and commitments that have been given to us. We expect the administrative authorities to take initiative on this issue,” he said.
This is a political war and if this continues, the economy of the pseudo-state will suffer greatly, as he said.
In his statements to Selda Bektas, director of the Kiprisli website, Mr. Oral said that neither he nor his partners have yet received any notice or call. However, he said, they are concerned, explaining that his partners are also active in other countries outside of Turkey.
The “EDEN” project, he continued, is not just a construction project, but has great significance for the future of the region. “Lefkoniko is a rural area. Such an investment will ensure that other investors will follow. It is a project that will pave the way for the rapid development of the region.”
He argued that efforts to stop investments are politically motivated and recalled that Ahmet Noyanlar was unable to enter Dubai because a warrant was pending against him.
“EDEN,” he claimed, has all the “legal permits” and “has received permission from the TRNC authorities.” He also expressed their determination to continue with the investment. “This is a licensed project. All permits, including environmental impact, have been obtained and the architectural designs have been completed. We will pour concrete tomorrow, we have given the approval. We will continue with the project,” he specifically stated.
For his part, Hussein Sadeghi, a member of the "real estate agents' association", told "Kypris" that the "real estate committee" provides a solution to the property issue and in this direction, more clear and decisive steps should be taken, so that it becomes more active and stronger.
He added that the financial structure of the “committee” should be strengthened with “real estate taxes” and contributions from tourism. “A small contribution fund can be created from additional income from the sales of real estate by foreigners in northern Cyprus, as well as from annual real estate taxes,” he said.
Furthermore, he continued, new economic resources can be created, such as a symbolic contribution from tourists visiting the occupied territories.
Mr. Santeghi stated that an atmosphere of panic is being created through statements targeting the real estate sector and news such as the closure of real estate websites.
"However, I would like to give a very clear message from here: Neither industry representatives, nor investors, nor our people should panic. The TRNC's legal system, property titles and property security are under the guarantee of our state," he argued.
The Turkish Cypriot side is stronger together with Turkey, he added, arguing that "they have all the tools at their disposal, both legally and diplomatically" and that they will emerge "from this process more institutional, more resilient and more prepared. We just have to act with unity and maintain our strong stance."
On the other hand, the well-known Turkish Cypriot journalist and columnist, Ali Baturai, writes today in "Halkin Sesi" that it was clear that the policy based on delusion and lies, excluded from international law, would one day hit a dead end.
He describes the concern felt by ordinary people, the research being done by legal experts on the issue, and the question of which “state will protect all of them,” as some publicly declare. “The Turkish federal state or the TRNC? The state itself, which was established in 1983, has not yet been legalized or recognized, and as a result, its citizens have suffered and continue to suffer in various ways,” he writes.
"We were lied to that the Greek Cypriot properties are ours. Not even properties of 'equal value' are valid internationally. Look, we are experiencing it now. They mistreated us and the dysfunction of the real estate committee also cost us dearly. The Greek Cypriot government launched an attack using the law as a political tool, making arrests and issuing arrest warrants," he said.
"Contractors, real estate agents, those who mediate in the sale of properties of equal value, as well as ordinary citizens who buy and sell such properties, are now on the list for arrest. They have also started including construction companies, real estate agents, architects and engineers on the lists. In the coming days, all businesses operating in Greek Cypriot properties will be blacklisted," he continued.
Baturai wonders what those who do not want a solution, are outside the parameters of the UN and consider it an advantage to be outside international law will do now.
"Of course, the Christodoulides government is not innocent, it is not an angel at all, but who gave it these trump cards? Of course, the wrong policies of the Turkish side, the indifference of our country's leaders, their illusions." This is where the heroism and the cliché rhetoric of heroism end, Baturai concludes.
Source: KYPE
