Cyprus has formally accused Turkey of exploiting Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas of the island. As of July 20, it marks 51 years since Turkey’s invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus. In a strongly worded letter to the President of the UN Security Council, Cyprus condemns Turkey’s ongoing exploitation of Greek Cypriot assets in the Turkish-occupied regions, accusing Ankara of systematically violating international law and undermining efforts for a comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue.
The letter, dated June 20, 2025, sent by Cyprus’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Maria Michael, highlights that since the Turkish invasion in 1974, Greek Cypriot property owners have been denied access, control, and use of their properties. The letter references rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in 2001 and 2014 in the interstate case of Cyprus v. Turkey, emphasizing that Turkey has yet to comply with these decisions.
Ambassador Michael criticizes Turkey for implementing an active policy of selling and exploiting these properties on an industrial scale, describing it as a methodical and aggressive strategy pursued over the years to create a separate state on the island. Such policies directly violate the principles of the indivisible sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and undermine the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to restart negotiations within the agreed framework adopted by the Security Council.
Highlighting the absence of substantial negotiations over the past eight years, Ambassador Michael notes that many Greek Cypriot property owners have had to resort to legal action against unauthorized exploitation of their properties, which constitutes a criminal offense under the Cyprus Penal Code. The Republic of Cyprus remains committed to the rule of law, separation of powers, and human rights protection—fundamental principles of any democratic society.
The letter underscores that police authorities may conduct criminal investigations following formal complaints, adhering to fundamental principles that allow no exceptions or exemptions. Ambassador Michael stresses that it is inconceivable for a perpetrator of criminal acts to present themselves as victims of their own illegal actions while seeking the perpetuation of such illegality to continue profiting unlawfully.
Cyprus calls on Turkey to respect its obligations under the UN Charter, reminding it that as an occupying force, it is bound by international human rights and humanitarian law. Ending the unlawful use and sale of private property in the occupied areas is deemed crucial for building trust necessary for a successful fair resolution process aligned with UN Security Council resolutions. Cyprus also urges the UN to reject any attempt to bypass legality to continue criminal activities based on a well-organized plan.