Lawyers establish property committee

THE Cyprus Turkish Bar Association (KTBB) has formed a dedicated committee on immovable properties to enhance its efforts in this area.

Lawyers actively engaged in representing cases before the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) have volunteered to contribute their expertise to the committee, established by a decision of the KTBB Council.

Hasan Esendağlı, head of the KTBB, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to intensifying efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the IPC.

The IPC plays a crucial role in addressing the longstanding and thorny property issue within the context of the Cyprus problem.

Esendağlı disclosed that the committee, led by lawyer Özkul Özyiğit, includes the participation of Murat Metin Hakkı, Burcu Sertbay, Nil Dimililer, Betül Ciyaslıoğlu and Gül Gürkan Konti.

The primary objective of the committee is to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, concentrating on practical and legal measures to expedite and improve the proceedings before the IPC, thereby ensuring greater efficiency in addressing property-related matters, Esendağlı stated.

The IPC was set up in accordance with the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of XenidesArestis v Turkey.

The purpose of this measure was to establish an effective domestic remedy for claims relating to abandoned properties in North Cyprus.

The IPC, which officially began its activities in March 2006, examines claims from Greek Cypriots for “restitution, compensation and exchange”.

It seeks to satisfy the legitimate claims of property owners without prejudice to the rights of Turkish Cypriots.

As of January 16, the IPC has paid more than £422 million in compensation to around 1,500 applicants.