‘Lawyer’s arrest will not affect property sector’
THE arrest of Turkish Cypriot lawyer Akan Kürşat in Italy during his New Year’s holiday does not impact foreign property investors; rather, it is the media's portrayal of the situation that could potentially affect investor interest, Estate Agent Association president Hasan Sungur has warned.
Sungur expressed concern about the negative image portrayed by the Turkish Cypriot press, emphasising that unintentional misrepresentation of news to the outside world adversely influences the international perception of North Cyprus.
He underscored the need for caution, stating that this “misinformation” has placed the region in a challenging position.
While Sungur acknowledged the existence of diverse opinions on investing in North Cyprus within a democratic framework, he pointed out that these views are often misconstrued when presented to the international community.
He noted that some individuals express a desire for limited investment, construction, or development in the TRNC, and these sentiments, though democratic, are misrepresented abroad.
Addressing the Akan Kürşat case, Sungur clarified that it is a continuation of an incident from 2004-2005.
“The Greek Cypriot side is trying to use this issue with a malicious approach and is following a policy of presenting it as such,” he said.
“However, there is absolutely no risk or danger regarding this matter. Foreigners can buy properties and invest as they like in North Cyprus.
“We need to respond to this false perception that the Greek Cypriot side is trying to use and inform those living outside the country of this situation.”
He stressed that a “single statement” from the relevant authorities in the TRNC would dispel concerns and uncertainties.
“Title deeds in the TRNC are not a risk, the TRNC state stands behind the title deeds it has given,” Sungur continued.
“If this explanation is given, all the troubles and question marks will disappear and there will be no issues. We urgently expect this statement from the competent authorities.”
Sungur called on President Ersin Tatar, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and the relevant government authorities to issue a statement urgently reaffirming that title deeds in the TRNC are under the guarantee of the TRNC state.