Cyprus: resolving property issues to build confidence

6.00.45pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Jul 2006

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford is pressing the European Commission through a parliamentary question to support confidence-building measures in Cyprus, and in particular mechanisms for resolution of property claims. She says:

"It is encouraging that Presidents Talat and Papadopolous have reached agreement through the UN to have a programme of confidence-building measures. Two years after Greek Cypriots brought an end to the peace process by rejecting the Annan plan, it is high time there was movement forward."

"But in that context, I regret that legal action is being taken against British owners of property in the North like the Orams, rather than using the new North Cyprus Property Commission. I am asking the Commission to encourage the Republic of Cyprus to develop a similar structure to ensure property restitution or compensation, as this seems a useful model for ending the delays and obstructions that have frustrated resolution of claims both North and South."

"Of course the UN plan included comprehensive provisions on property. But there is a need for solutions now to this hotly-disputed and complex issue, which affects thousands of my constituents in London, both Cypriot and non-Cypriot."

Sarah Ludford is next week chairing the Association for Cypriot, Greek and Turkish Affairs' seminar on current issues in North Cyprus (London School of Economics, Wednesday July 19th, 6.30pm).

Note to editors:

The text of Sarah Ludford's parliamentary question to the European Commission is:

"Sarah Ludford met Emine Erk, Chair of the Turkish Cypriot Human Rights Foundation along with Ipek Ozerim and Atalay Cholak of lobby group Embargoed!"

'What action will the Commission be taking to encourage the success of the programme of confidence-building measures agreed in July 2006 between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders? How can the Commission assist with the implementation of effective mechanisms for restoration of individual property rights, given that both Turkish Cypriot owners of property located in the South and Greek Cypriot owners of property located in the North have experienced delays and blockages in the enforcement of those rights? Will the Commission encourage the setting up by the Republic of Cyprus of a structure for ensuring restitution of or compensation for property similar to the Property Commission that has been set up in the North in agreement with the European Court of Human Rights?'