The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, said that solving the Cyprus problem is the best way to stop the illegal use of properties. These properties are in the north of the island. The president invited Turkish Cypriot leaders and Turkey to talk again. He said the property issue is very important for peace.
Cyprus plans to start new legal actions. These actions will target people and companies using Greek Cypriot land and homes in the north. Turkish Cypriots strongly disagree with this plan. Their leaders called the actions "illegal and hostile." They said these actions will not help reconciliation.
A Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, said Turkish Cypriots also have legal rights. They can use international law. They are collecting evidence of property taken from Turkish Cypriots in the south. However, President Christodoulides said these problems will only end with an agreement. He invited everyone to the table to solve the Cyprus problem.
This legal disagreement is affecting the property market in the north. Property sales are slowing down. Foreign buyers are worried about legal problems if they visit the EU. This shows how property is linked to the island's political problems.
The property dispute started after Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974. Many Greek Cypriots left their homes in the north. Many Turkish Cypriots left homes in the south. The Republic of Cyprus says Greek Cypriot owners were wrongly removed. Turkish Cypriots say current owners have fair claims.
Mr. Erhurman warned against using force. He said arrests or threats will not help. He believes peace must be built slowly with a negotiated solution. Cyprus wants to use legal action. Turkish Cypriots prefer a slower approach. Both sides need to talk to find a solution for the divided island.