Cyprus is checking abandoned Turkish Cypriot properties. This is an important step. The government wants to manage these lands better. The audit looks at rental agreements. It checks for wrong use. It also makes sure laws are followed. New laws help Greek Cypriots who lost their homes.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou spoke on Thursday. He said the audit is part of the government's plan. Laws about these properties changed last year. Before, the minister decided who used them. Now, there is a clear system. It uses rules and points. This makes the process fairer. It helps Greek Cypriot citizens.
The audit found many problems. Over 4,000 rental contracts were checked. More than 300 contracts were ended. This was because they broke rules. Local authorities' contracts were also checked. 31 out of 275 municipal contracts had violations. Some municipalities fixed their contracts. Others received warning letters. Five municipal contracts were cancelled.
Village councils' contracts were also checked. 47 out of 589 contracts broke rules. Some councils fixed their agreements. However, 32 village councils got warning letters. Three village council contracts were cancelled.
The government wants to manage these properties well. They make up about 10% of Cyprus' land. The old system was not always fair. The new system uses clear rules. This should help distribute resources fairly.
The money from renting these properties is also important. This year, the revenue is about €6.56 million. This money can help public funds. It might also support communities. This audit is a key step. It helps use these lands better.