The head of the Cyprus Turkish Vakıflar Administration İbrahim Benter has said that the fenced-off town of Maraş needed to be opened.

Benter was speaking at a press conference held on Thursday concerning Maraş and other properties owned by the administration.

He said that former residents and property owners whether or not they were Turkish Cypriot, Greek Cypriot or British, could use the properties by signing leases with the Vakıflar Adminstration through the Immovable Property Commission (IPC).

“What we want is for the fenced-off town of Maraş to be opened, for the Vakıf Administration to collect its rightful rent fees. This money could be used to build more schools, to grant more scholarships and to support those in need,” he said.

Benter expressed the view that the reopening of Maraş would benefit Turkish Cypriot society from all aspects.

He also said that the public was not informed enough of the fact that the fenced-off town of Maraş was Evkaf (Foundation) property which was why they were preparing a catalogue titled, “Unknown facts on the fenced-off town of Maraş”.

Benter said that the catalogue which contained original British documents proved that Maraş was Evkaf property.

He added that those could obtain the catalogue from the Vakıflar Administration’s Office or online.