Nicosia: In a letter addressed to the President of the Security Council, Cyprus has denounced Turkey’s ongoing illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas of the Cyprus Republic, noting that Ankara systematically violates international law and obstructs efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the letter dated June 20, 2025, was sent by Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michael. She recalled that since the 1974 Turkish invasion, Greek Cypriot property owners in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey have been denied access, control, use, and enjoyment of their property. This issue was highlighted in the European Court of Human Rights’ judgments of 2001 and 2014 in the interstate case Cyprus v. Turkey, and Turkey has yet to comply with the rulings.
The letter was a response to a recent communication from Turkey’s Permanent Representative, dated June 10, which Cyprus firmly rebuts. Ambassador Michael accused Turkey of pursuing an active policy of selling and exploiting these properties on a large scale to further its claims for a separate state in Cyprus. Such actions, she argued, violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and undermine UN efforts to revive peace negotiations.
The Cypriot ambassador noted the lack of meaningful talks over the past eight years, leading many Greek Cypriot property owners to seek legal recourse against the unauthorized exploitation of their properties, which is a criminal offense under Cypriot law. Cyprus remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and human rights, which are fundamental to democratic societies.
Ambassador Michael emphasized the role of police authorities in investigating such crimes upon receiving formal complaints. She criticized Turkey for attempting to portray itself as a victim while benefiting from illegal actions.
Cyprus urged Turkey to respect its obligations under the UN Charter, stressing the importance of ending the illegal exploitation of private property to build confidence for a just settlement of the Cyprus issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
The letter concluded with a call for the United Nations to reject any attempts to legitimize criminality and maintain its commitment to lawfulness.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. UN-led peace talks have repeatedly failed due to Turkish resistance. The most recent negotiations in 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without resolution.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres announced an informal meeting on Cyprus at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva in March. The sides have agreed on several initiatives, including opening crossing points and creating a Technical Committee on Youth.
Additionally, Guterres appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, tasked with engaging the parties in the peace process. The European Commission also appointed Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to assist in the settlement efforts.