The Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Ziya Öztürkler stated that the Greek Cypriot Administration is in a state of weakness and cannot make its own decisions.

Reacting to the Greek Cypriot Assembly’s approval of the draft law which aims to deter the purchase and sale of former Greek Cypriot properties in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Öztürkler noted that these steps will create unrest on both sides of the island.

The Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Ziya Öztürkler addressed the recent developments that have taken place in South Cyprus regarding Greek Cypriot properties remaining in the north.

He said that the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) is the only competent legal authority regarding the Greek Cypriot properties remaining in the north of the island and added that the Greek Cypriot Assembly approving the draft law and increasing the penalties is aimed at deterring the sales of former Greek Cypriot properties in the TRNC.

He said this will only create unrest on both sides of the island.

Emphasizing that international law shows the Immovable Property Commission as the source to handle the issue, Öztürkler questioned why South Cyprus does not chose this path.

He accused the Greek Cypriot administration of carrying out a strategy that will increase tension in the region and stated that this path is being followed due to the increasing interest in the TRNC.

Öztürkler said that in order to pay the compensation of the Greek Cypriots who applied to the IPC, serious resources were provided by increasing the taxes of foreigners who bought property in the TRNC together with government and payments were being made through the IPC.

Reminding the Greek Cypriot government that the solution to this problem is the IPC, Öztürkler advised them to direct those who have problems to the Commission.

Stating that South Cyprus has signed strategic agreements with Greece, US and Israel, Öztürkler said that the Greek Cypriots are trying to move forward on the continental shelf and energy issues, which further disrupts the peace in the region.

He said they will act according to the principle of protection of rights together with the guarantor country Türkiye, emphasizing the importance of the role of the Turkish Armed Forces on the island and reiterated that the Turkish military is their red line.