Tag: Cyprus

Statement: Presidential Election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

23 October, 2025

Statement on the Presidential Election held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign congratulates President Tufan Erhürman on his election as President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

This election represents the democratic will of the Turkish Cypriot people, reaffirming their enduring commitment to self-determination and their ability to shape their own political future through free and fair elections.

We extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing President Ersin Tatar for his leadership and years of dedicated service to the Turkish Cypriot people and the TRNC. Throughout his presidency, President Tatar strengthened the voice of the Turkish Cypriot people on the international stage, defended their sovereignty and security, and advanced their cause with determination and dignity.

As the TRNC enters a new chapter, the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign expresses confidence that President Erhürman will work towards unity, progress, and the continued advancement of the Turkish Cypriot people. His leadership now carries the responsibility of ensuring that the voice of the Turkish Cypriot people is heard, respected, and represented both at home and abroad.

The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign looks forward to working constructively with President Erhürman and his administration to support the ongoing struggle for equality, security, and recognition – and to contribute to a stronger and more prosperous future for the Turkish Cypriot people and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus

What is the Immovable Property Commission (IPC)?

22 October, 2025

The Immovable Property Commission (IPC) was established in 2006 under the Immovable Property Law (No. 67/2005) of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Its creation followed rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) – most notably in the Xenides-Arestis v. Turkey case – which called for an effective domestic remedy to address property claims arising from the events in Cyprus.

On 1 March 2010, the ECHR ruled in Demopoulos and Others v. Turkey that the IPC provides such an effective domestic legal remedy for property issues in Northern Cyprus. As a result, the Court now requires all property-related complaints to be first brought before the IPC before they can be considered at the international level.

The IPC officially began its work on 17 March 2006, with its President, Vice-President, and members appointed by the Supreme Council of Judicature of the TRNC. It is composed of both Turkish Cypriot and international members to ensure impartiality and compliance with international standards.

Mandate and Function

The Commission reviews applications concerning restitution, compensation, or exchange of properties left behind in Northern Cyprus prior to 1974. Its decisions are guided by the long-standing principles of bi-zonality and bi-communality, as reflected in the 1977–1979 High-Level Agreements and subsequent United Nations settlement plans.

The IPC aims to resolve individual property disputes fairly and efficiently, while respecting both the rights of displaced owners and those of the Turkish Cypriots currently residing on or using those properties.

Activity and Results

As of October 2025, the IPC has received 8,375 applications, of which 2,131 have been concluded.
In total, it has awarded £570.8 million in compensation to applicants.
In addition to compensation, the Commission has also issued rulings for exchange, restitution, and combined solutions in specific cases.

Recognition by the ECHR

The European Court of Human Rights officially recognises the IPC as a valid domestic legal mechanism for property claims in Cyprus. This recognition affirms that the IPC operates in line with international legal standards and provides a functional avenue for Greek Cypriot applicants seeking redress.

However, it is important to note that no equivalent mechanism exists for Turkish Cypriots who lost their homes, land, and property during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s – long before the division of the island – due to violence, displacement, and discriminatory policies against them.

Conclusion

The Immovable Property Commission continues to serve as an independent and recognised institution providing justice, stability, and due process for property disputes in Cyprus. By offering a structured and lawful process, it contributes to the broader goal of ensuring peace, fairness, and mutual respect between the island’s two peoples.

Statement: New York Trilateral Talks

27 September, 2025

Statement on the UN Trilateral Meeting in New York

The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign welcomes President Ersin Tatar’s constructive participation in the latest round of discussions held in New York under the auspices of the United Nations.

President Tatar has once again reaffirmed the unwavering position of the Turkish Cypriot side – a settlement based on two sovereign, equal states with equal international status. After more than fifty years of failed and exhausted federal negotiations, it is clear that a new, realistic, and sustainable model is needed to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation on the island.

The two-state solution proposed by President Tatar offers the most practical path forward: one that reflects the realities on the ground and provides a foundation for good neighbourly relations, mutual respect, and genuine partnership between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot peoples.

We express serious concern over the recent actions of the Greek Cypriot leadership, including the militarisation of the South through Israeli missile systems, the arbitrary arrests of Turkish Cypriots, and measures designed to damage the Turkish Cypriot economy and deepen isolation. Such steps only escalate tensions and undermine the prospects for lasting peace.

The Turkish Cypriot people deserve security, dignity, and international recognition. We stand firmly with President Tatar’s vision, which represents not only the will of his people but also the only viable and fair path toward stability and coexistence in Cyprus.

Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus

President Ersin Tatar Calls for UK Support for Two-State Solution in Cyprus

10 July, 2025

Politics.co.uk

In a wide-ranging interview with Politics.co.uk, President Ersin Tatar emphasised the need for international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and equal treatment of Turkish Cypriots.

He stated that federal talks have failed and urged the UK to embrace the two-state reality on the island.

Tatar also revealed that he met with former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss direct flights and stronger ties between the UK and TRNC.

The President made clear that Turkish Cypriots will no longer accept second-class treatment.

Cyprus Today Front Page: Call for UK–TRNC Direct Flights Gains National Attention

7 June, 2025

Cyprus Today

The campaign for direct flights between the UK and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) received national press coverage this week as Cyprus Today ran the story on its front page.

The article highlights the Early Day Motion (EDM 63709) tabled by Rt Hon Sammy Wilson MP, describing it as a “historic milestone” and the first positive parliamentary proposal for Turkish Cypriots in nearly 20 years. The motion has already received cross-party attention and support from other MPs.

The EDM calls on the UK Government to permit direct flights to Ercan International Airport, citing the hardship faced by over 300,000 Turkish Cypriots in the UK and thousands of British nationals in the North due to current travel restrictions.

Tim Montgomerie: Chagos Islands Deal Could Jeopardise UK’s Bases in Cyprus

7 June, 2025

Tim Montgomerie, Times Radio

In a recent appearance on Times Radio, political commentator and former Conservative Party adviser Tim Montgomerie discussed the UK’s decision to cede control of the Chagos Islands, drawing a direct link to the future of Britain’s Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.

Montgomerie emphasised the strategic importance of the British bases on the island, particularly in terms of regional influence and military positioning.

He warned that the legal and diplomatic precedent set by the Chagos decision could place the UK’s presence in Cyprus at risk, especially amid rising tensions and competing claims in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Greek Cypriot Leader Responds to Direct Flights Motion But Ignores 2004 UK Promise

5 June, 2025

Tom Cleaver, Cyprus Today

Following the tabling of EDM 63709 in the UK Parliament, calling for direct flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides was questioned on the issue in an interview with Cyprus Mail.

His response avoided any mention of the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, where Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly voted Yes to reunification while Greek Cypriots voted No — after which the UK, EU, and international community promised to end Turkish Cypriot isolation through direct trade and travel.

Instead, Christodoulides stated:

“The international community… has repeatedly taken a position on these issues. Especially Britain, which is a guarantor power and a member of the United Nations Security Council.”

The comments come as pressure builds on the UK Government to finally deliver on its commitment to Turkish Cypriots, 20 years after the failed reunification vote.

UK Parliament Bill Calls for Direct Flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

4 June, 2025

Tom Cleaver, Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail reports on a landmark bill has been tabled in the UK Parliament by MP Sammy Wilson calling for direct flights to Ercan Airport in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

This marks the first such proposal since 2007 and highlights growing parliamentary support for the rights and recognition of Turkish Cypriots.

The bill urges the UK Government to engage with the TRNC and reconsider outdated restrictions that isolate its people.

The move has been welcomed by campaigners as a major development in the fight for fairness, equality, and practical engagement.

It also reflects an increasing awareness in Westminster of the unjust treatment Turkish Cypriots face.

Lord Balfe Condemns TRNC Isolation as “Outrageous” in UK Parliament

30 May, 2025

MyKibris

MyKibris reports on Lord Balfe’s latest remarks in the UK Parliament, where he described the ongoing embargoes and international isolation of the TRNC as “outrageous” and hypocritical.

Speaking at an event honouring Turkish Cypriot poet Osman Türkay, he highlighted the inconsistency of allowing direct flights to Taiwan but not to Ercan.

His statement is part of a growing wave of British parliamentary voices calling for an end to the unfair treatment of Turkish Cypriots.

The event also reflects increasing momentum in UK–Northern Cyprus engagement, which has gained significant ground under President Ersin Tatar’s leadership.

Avrupa Gazete Features Upcoming Documentary on Turkish Cypriot Football

30 May, 2025

Mert Ahmet, Avrupa Gazete

Offside: The Untold Story of Sports in the TRNC, a documentary supported by the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign, has been featured in Avrupa Gazete.

The article explores the roots of sporting isolation in Northern Cyprus and tells the stories of Turkish Cypriot players, coaches, and fans who continue to fight for international recognition.

The piece also sheds light on past attempts at integration, including the failed Zurich Agreement, and features scenes from recent matches, interviews with KTFF President Hasan Sertoğlu, Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, and President Ersin Tatar. This growing media attention reflects increasing awareness in the diaspora and international press about the injustices faced by Turkish Cypriots in sport.

The documentary is scheduled for release in early July 2025.