Making it easier for Turkish Cypriots to get their property back

loulouis


Joined: 13/12/2009
Posts: 234

Message Posted:
21/02/2010 16:44

just thought i would share this with you all. Making it easier for Turkish Cypriots to get their property back



THE GOVERNMENT has prepared an amendment to the law on Turkish Cypriot properties, to allow their return in certain cases.



The bill, which had been kept under wraps because of the sensitivity of the issue, was meant to be approved on Thursday but was postponed until next week.



The current law, as interpreted by court decisions on an appellate level, does not leave room for release of the property as long as the state of emergency is still in force.



After the 1974 Turkish invasion, the Republic put all Turkish Cypriot properties – in the government-controlled areas -- under the guardianship of the Interior Minister, who prohibits their sale, exchange and transfer because of the state of emergency.



Properties have been returned to the Turkish Cypriot owners or they were paid compensation or both, but this practice has not been enshrined in the law.

Loui