'Property issues can only be resolved through reunification'

The UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty has described the property issue in the occupied part of Cyprus as “one of the most complex and sensitive subjects in the Cyprus Problem” and said that the most effective way to resolve it is through reunification talks.

He was responding to a written parliamentary question by the pro-Cypriot north London Conservative MP Dr. Matthew Offord. He had asked the Foreign Office about its assessment of the implications for its policies “of illegal settlements and confiscation of property in northern Cyprus by Turkish nationals.”

“Ultimately, the most effective way to resolve the issues arising from the events of 1974, including property claims, is through the UN-facilitated talks aimed at reuniting Cyprus based on a just and lasting settlement,” added the minister.

He concluded by asserting that “the UK continues to support the UN-led process and encourage the two sides to return to negotiations.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.