Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı has stirred controversy with a statement declaring, “It is high time to take revenge on the property issue,” while proposing a new approach to fenced -off Varosha (Maraş).
Posting on his social media account, Arıklı outlined a formula included in the Rebirth Party’s (YDP) program, which proposes opening Varosha to its former Greek Cypriot property owners for settlement—under Turkish administration and UN supervision, with a special status. He stressed that this would be done “without prejudice to our rights.”
Arıklı claimed that this formula aligns with the Demopoulos ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in 2010. He said the ECHR had supported three remedies return, exchange, and compensation through the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) for Greek Cypriots seeking restitution of property in the North. Those unwilling to pursue any of these were advised to await a comprehensive solution, he noted.
“Since Maraş is uninhabited, it could be opened for settlement by its rightful owners under Turkish administration,” he argued, suggesting the approach had legal credibility and precedent. He cited the case of Greek Cypriot Nikolas Skurdis, who was permitted to return to his property in Kozanköy (Larnakas tis Lapitu) in 2018, as an example of such implementation.
According to Arıklı, the formula does not prevent Turkish Cypriot Evkaf foundation from continuing legal claims over Maraş in international courts. “If they win, they will be compensated in some way,” he added.
He emphasized that the key procedural step would be removing Maraş from its current military zone designation via a Council of Ministers decision and transferring jurisdiction to the IPC.
Concluding his remarks, Arıklı declared:
“In my opinion, the exact right way to take revenge on the property issue. It is time.”
