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A senior Turkish Cypriot ''official'' has threatened to issue arrest warrants, potentially even international ones through Turkey, against individuals using Turkish Cypriot properties in the Republic-controlled south, in response to recent arrests tied to Greek Cypriot properties in the north.
Erhan Arikli, who heads the so-called Central Committee and acts as the self-declared "transport minister" in the breakaway north, made the comments during an appearance Tuesday on the Turkish Cypriot broadcaster Gencs TV.
"One of the measures we will take is to issue arrest warrants for those who use Turkish Cypriot properties in southern Cyprus, whether for rent or regular use," Arikli said, referring to properties located in areas under the control of the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions over property rights on both sides of the divided island, following legal action taken in the south against those occupying Greek Cypriot-owned properties in the north.
“People from both communities were able to cross peacefully, and an economic balance was created. That is now gradually disappearing,” Arikli claimed. He argued that the Turkish Cypriot side should escalate its response, warning of tougher steps to come. “When we open Varosha, no one will be able to say, 'Why are you opening it?’” he added, referencing the controversial reopening of the fenced-off town under Turkish Cypriot control.
Arikli also cast doubt on the usefulness of an informal meeting expected at the end of July aimed at reviving stalled reunification talks. He claimed the recent developments had stripped the meeting of any meaningful value. “It will be no different from a tourist trip, with even the last traces of hope gone,” he said.
According to Arikli, two new crossing points had recently been proposed to the Greek Cypriot side through the United Nations. But he suggested that the latest arrests could derail that plan.
“Even the existing checkpoints might no longer be necessary. Sanctions are clearly on the horizon. If they intensify, people will hesitate to cross to the south. So, opening new checkpoints becomes pointless,” he said.
Turning to the upcoming leadership race in the north, Arikli confirmed that Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar will run for re-election in the October vote. He said Tatar's campaign was launched in a well-organized manner, with a full program expected to be announced soon.
However, Arikli admitted that the public remains largely disengaged. “People aren’t focused on the elections right now,” he said, citing conversations he had with citizens during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
