The Greek Cypriot police have issued international arrest warrants against four Turkish nationals accused of usurping Greek Cypriot-owned land in the area of Geçitkale (Lefkoniko), it was revealed on Monday.
According to Pieris Gypsiotis, so-called mayor of Lefkoniko, both he and the so-called municipality gathered evidence concerning a major construction project built on several plots of land in the area. The development, which reportedly includes 10 floors and 750 apartments, is being advertised with promises of imminent delivery, with indications of additional projects planned outside the region.
Gypsiotis said he submitted all relevant documentation to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Nicosia, including names of company owners involved in the development. He noted that the companies are Turkish-owned, and based on the evidence provided, four international arrest warrants were issued four months ago against Turkish businessmen.
Due to the seriousness of the case, a symposium was held last Saturday with the participation of the Greek Cypriot negotiator and legal experts, where broader issues regarding land usurpation claims in the North were discussed.
Two women from Hungary were sentenced on Friday to prison for 2.5 years and 15 months, respectively, after pleading guilty to several charges relating to advertising and promoting the sale of homes built on Greek Cypriot land in the North.
Commenting on a recent related court ruling, Gypsiotis welcomed the prison sentences handed down last week to two Hungarian women -2.5 years and 15 months respectively- for promoting the sale of properties constructed on Greek Cypriot land in the North.
Gypsiotis also emphasized that if the Turkish individuals travel within the EU, they risk immediate arrest and extradition to Cyprus, as the warrants were issued by courts of the Republic of Cyprus and carry international legal weight within the European Union.
“We will not solve the Cyprus problem on our own, but there is a fear among investors, buyers, and intermediaries regarding these issues,” he said.
(Source : CNA)
Two Hungarian women jailed for usurping Greek Cypriot property in North Cyprus
