Newsroom
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has proposed exchanging Turkish Cypriot-owned properties in the south with Greek Cypriot-owned land in the north, reviving one of Cyprus’s most politically charged issues.
Speaking on TV2020, Tatar claimed that Turkish Cypriot land in the south totals some 500,000 donums, about 67,000 hectares, valued at $150 billion. He suggested the two sides could swap ownership using property relinquishment documents already held by the Turkish Cypriot administration.
Tatar said the “Immovable Property Commission” has so far paid £600 million in compensation to Greek Cypriot applicants and confirmed plans to take the matter to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, in coordination with Turkey.
He acknowledged financial strain on the commission, noting it currently receives 3% of real estate sales revenue from the north. “This land belongs to the TRNC and can be exchanged,” he said.
Turning to the Cyprus issue, Tatar dismissed the federal model, saying it would mean “zero troops, zero guarantees", and full cooperation with Greek Cypriots, conditions he called unacceptable. “Our survival depends on Turkey’s presence here,” he said. “We must never let the federalists win for short-term gains.”
Tatar repeated his belief that a fair solution can only come through two independent states with sovereign equality and eventual international recognition. He added that the idea of a two-state model within the EU was first raised six years ago, calling it “the best option.”
He also claimed that Israel and Greece “don’t want him in power” because they are “uncomfortable” with his stance.
*With information from CNA
