Turkish Cypriot administration criticizes Republic of Cyprus over property legal actions

The Turkish Cypriot administration has issued a statement criticizing the Republic of Cyprus for addressing property disputes through criminal law and international mechanisms. The statement specifically mentions the use of the European Arrest Warrant and INTERPOL against individuals residing and investing in the occupied territories. The administration claims these actions demonstrate a lack of genuine willingness from the Greek Cypriot side to engage in meaningful negotiations. They argue that the Immovable Property Commission is the appropriate and recognized domestic remedy for such disputes as established by the European Court of Human Rights. Furthermore, the administration questioned the basis for the optimism expressed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his envoy Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar regarding a potential 'historic opportunity' for resolution. They contend that the property issue is being weaponized to exert political and economic pressure on the Turkish Cypriot community. Consequently, the administration maintains that under current conditions, there is no foundation for productive negotiations.