**Title: Our View: IPC the Only Option for Greek Cypriot Property Owners**
Since its establishment in 2005, the Immovable Properties Commission (IPC) in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus has been a focal point for Greek Cypriot property owners seeking compensation for their lost properties. This initiative, mandated by a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights, has faced significant criticism and skepticism from various political figures and commentators within the Greek Cypriot community.
Many have argued against applying to the IPC, suggesting that doing so would effectively sell off properties to Turkey, thereby undermining the Greek Cypriot cause and weakening their negotiating position in ongoing discussions regarding the island's division. The sentiment among some politicians is that seeking compensation through the IPC could be seen as unpatriotic, with implications that property owners are prioritizing personal gain over national interest. This narrative has led to feelings of guilt among potential applicants, as they are urged to refrain from engaging with the IPC and instead hold onto their properties in the hope of future reunification.
Despite these discouragements, a significant number of Greek Cypriots have opted to pursue their claims through the IPC. As of the end of last week, approximately 8,755 applications had been submitted to the commission, with 3,952 of those applications examined. The IPC has disbursed a total of €775 million in compensation to successful claimants. While the commission has been criticized for its slow processing times and perceived low compensation offers, the remedies it provides are deemed acceptable by the European Court of Human Rights. This acceptance ensures that the IPC will continue to process applications from Greek Cypriot property owners.
In response to the ongoing concerns about the IPC, the Democratic Rally (Disy) party proposed the creation of a national fund aimed at compensating owners for the loss of use of their occupied properties. However, this proposal has stalled in the House committee since July of the previous year. Meanwhile, the government has introduced its own plan, referred to as the special scheme of financial support for owners of occupied or inaccessible properties. The delay in addressing the needs of property owners for over five decades raises questions about the sincerity of political intentions, with many believing that these recent efforts are more about avoiding a settlement that would require compensation to property owners than genuinely supporting them.
The effectiveness of any proposed schemes will largely depend on the compensation amounts offered by the state. If these amounts fall short of what individuals anticipate receiving from the IPC, it is likely that property owners will continue to pursue their claims through the commission. The desire for the highest possible compensation is understandable, especially given the current political climate, where a settlement appears unlikely, and the chance of adequate compensation or property return remains minimal.
The situation underscores a broader issue of trust between the Greek Cypriot community and their political leaders. After 52 years of unfulfilled promises and what many perceive as indifference from politicians, property owners are justified in seeking compensation through the IPC, regardless of the political implications. The moral judgments cast upon those who pursue their rights to compensation seem misplaced, as these individuals have navigated a complex and often frustrating landscape of political maneuvering and historical grievances.
In conclusion, the IPC remains the most viable option for Greek Cypriot property owners seeking compensation for their lost properties. While political narratives may discourage engagement with the commission, the reality is that many individuals are left with little choice but to pursue their claims in a system that, despite its flaws, offers a pathway to financial restitution. The ongoing dialogue around property rights in Cyprus will continue to evolve, but for now, the IPC stands as a critical institution for those affected by the island's longstanding division.