THE government yesterday reiterated it was not interfering with the issue concerning Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied north and said citizens were free to claim their rights as they saw fit.
The comment came as opposition DISY chief Nicos Anastassiades warned that the lawsuits against Turkish Cypriots who hold Greek Cypriot property in the north would create a climate of tension between the two sides.
Anastassiades said it was a serious matter and its consequences should be examined by the political leadership before taking decisions and guiding the people.
The DISY chief proposed a discussion of the issue by the National Council.
AKEL spokesman Andros Kyprianou said that the matter had been discussed by the National Council but welcomed any other suggestions from Anastassiades.
He agreed that great caution was needed in handling the matter and advised against viewing lawsuits against foreigners in the same way as suits against Turkish Cypriots.
Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides suggested that it would not be proper for the political leadership to tell citizens whether or not to file lawsuits.
Citizens have rights and are allowed to claim and protect their rights as they see fit, the spokesman said.
Replying to comments by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat that the Turkish Cypriots would take legal measures to stop the lawsuits, Chrysostomides pointed out that in the eyes of the law no one had a right to usurp, exploit or steal land that belongs to other people.
“Thus, I do not understand what kind of legal measures Mr Talat is taking.
“Let him try the European Court of Human Rights for example; he already has his answer there,” Chrysostomides said.
The European Court several years ago set a landmark precedent against Turkey in the Loizidou property case.
At the same time, according to Politis, the government is prepared to intensify its campaign against the exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties by foreigners, even if this will create further tension between the two sides.
The aim is to force Talat to agree to a freeze of development and put a stop to the influx of Turkish settlers, Politis said.
This would contribute to a positive climate, which could in turn lead to talks, the government argument goes.
