Property belonging to Greek Cypriots

[pzale]

I'm sure this topic has been addressed many times before and I'm looking within the site to find areas where it is, but I wanted to ask what generally people think will be the disposition of property owned by Greek Cypriots, which was lost in Northern Cyprus in 1974. I have a relative who owns property at "The Village by The Sea" (I'm sorry for not being able to give the proper Greek). He has the deeds. Most of the land is undeveloped. I'm not sure how much is.

Anyway, any information or opinions are welcome. I'm trying to learn as much as I can. Thank you in advance.

Petros

[city]

Hi pzale and welcome to the forum!
I can not tell you what people think, but in the forums section 'Proposed solutions to Cyprus problem'
you will find a lot of ideas and suggestions how it could be solved or what would be deemed a fair solution.

[repulsewarrior]

dear petros,

welcome!

village by the sea must be koma tou yialou, although i do not know if i spelled it correctly. there was a nice cafe there called the blue dolphin which i truly enjoyed, now so long ago...

if you would find it interesting, perhaps a gander at my manifesto will offer you some hope that free movement, association and expression can once again become the norm on this island that we all love. it is up to us really, and it starts with a passion which places our identity with Cyprus first, above our origins, as "Greeks" or "Turks".

I hope that the leaders we have chosen will have the courage, in the end, to sustain this Heritance.

[PAul]

Petros

You should advise your relative to contact The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Immovable Property Commission which has now come into being. It was set up in response to the Myra Xenides-Arestis case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The court ruled that Turkey had to establish a properly constituted body to deal with such claims.
Under the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus legislation which established the Commission, any dispossessed Greek Cypriot can apply for compensation, exchange or restitution. The latter option being the novel element.
Restitution is possible in respect of properties or land without Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus title deeds, which are not being used by a 'current user' and which do not pose a threat to national security.
If return is not possible, Greeks will be offered either compensation or exchange with land abandoned by Turksih Cypriots in the South. All compensation will be paid by the Commission, drawing on funding from Turkey, and nobody who has the security of a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus title deed will be required to make a contribution.
There are apparently over 1,000 cases pending at the ECHR which now should be heard by the Property Commission.

[repulsewarrior]

dear pzale (sorry, i called you petros),

i would suggest gathering more information before going to the "Commission". Very few cases have been heard and it is not clear what value they place on the land for which they are rendering judgement. if the land has no Patrimonial value to your relation, it may be an opportunity to gain something in monetary terms. however nothing at the moment is clear regarding the Right of Return.

[PAul]

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=44009&archive=1

Property group member turned to north for compensation on own land

[repulsewarrior]

...yes PAul, it is as we said; for some it is just a question of money, and for others there is a Heritance which is not easily counted with such simple terms.

...interesting article anyway.