Regarding the Report on Maraş approved by the General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
On 27 June 2024, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) approved a resolution concerning the closed area of Maraş, following discussions in the General Assembly.
Despite our diligent efforts as the Turkish side, it is important to note that our constructive perspectives and recommendations were only partially incorporated into the resolution due to significant pressure from the Greek Cypriot side on both the Rapporteur and Committee members.
Significantly, the resolution reaffirmed that the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), established to address property claims from Greek Cypriots is recognized by the European Court of Human Rights as an effective domestic remedy. Additionally, the resolution highlighted the isolation faced by the Turkish Cypriot community.
However, the resolution contains inaccuracies regarding historical events and overlooks the human rights violations suffered by the Turkish Cypriot people. This has led to a misleading narrative that portrays the Greek Cypriots as the sole victims in the Cyprus issue. The resolution once again is an example of manifestation that the Council of Europe is acting under the influence of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus.
Moreover, the resolution includes unfounded allegations against our country and fails to acknowledge that the Greek Cypriot leadership has played a significant role in the absence of any agreement to be reached so far.
As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), we wish to reiterate once again our commitment to ensure the effectiveness of the IPC, which secures the jurisdiction of the property regime. We also affirm that closed Maraş is within the borders of the TRNC and under the sovereignity of our state.
We would like to emphasize that the initiative regarding closed Maraş has been developed with a commitment in line with the property rights as guaranteed under international law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
We regard PACE’s call to urge the parties to initiate a political process in order to reach an agreement on the basis of tried and failed models for reconciliation lack sincerety. All parties seeking to foster enduring peace on the island should recognize the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, including their inherent rights, sovereign equality and equality international status.
In light of the current realities on the island, we believe it is high time for PACE to support a two-state solution and to advocate for the unconditional lifting of embargoes and isolation affecting the Turkish Cypriot community.
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