**Title: Turkish Cypriot Property Service Acknowledges Allocation of Massive Land Plot to Staff Member**
The Turkish Cypriot property management service has confirmed that it allocated over 150 million square metres of land to a staff member approximately 30 years ago. This admission came in response to recent allegations raised during a meeting of the House refugee committee.
The service stated that the land allocation, specifically amounting to 150,412,000 square metres, was conducted in accordance with the procedures that were in place at the time. The employee in question has since retired and currently retains 31,000 square metres of land for agricultural purposes.
The announcement follows instructions from Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, who is responsible for overseeing Turkish Cypriot properties. In a move towards transparency and accountability, the service indicated that contracts relating to these allocations were terminated in 2024.
In its statement, the property management service emphasized its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption, mismanagement, and violations of established procedures. “We remain at the disposal of the MPs and the citizens to inform them in a transparent manner,” the service noted, adding that all complaints submitted with specific evidence are thoroughly investigated, with appropriate measures taken to restore legality when necessary.
The service described the current situation as an opportunity to demonstrate its ongoing efforts to eradicate issues related to property management, emphasizing the importance of proper management and effective protection of Turkish Cypriot property for the benefit of refugees.
However, concerns were raised by Direct Democracy MP Demetris Souglis, who alleged that officials within the property service themselves own plots and homes, potentially disadvantaging genuine beneficiaries of the land. Souglis called for an investigation into these claims, which reflect ongoing worries about the management of Turkish Cypriot agricultural land.
This issue has been highlighted in various contexts, particularly in areas such as Polis Chrysochous, where non-refugee farmers have reportedly cultivated thousands of acres of Turkish Cypriot land while receiving agricultural subsidies. In response to these concerns, the interior ministry has introduced new arrangements requiring farmers using such land to have written agreements to establish their eligibility for subsidies. Non-compliance with these agreements could lead to the loss of subsidy payments.
The management of Turkish Cypriot properties has been a complex issue since the 1974 invasion, which resulted in the government placing abandoned homes and land under state guardianship. Initially, these properties were allocated to Greek Cypriot refugees, but subsequent reforms have allowed some properties, particularly in isolated villages, to be leased to non-refugees under specific conditions.
The Turkish Cypriot property management service's recent admission and the surrounding discussions reflect ongoing tensions and challenges in the management of properties that have significant historical and social implications for both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. As the situation continues to evolve, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments in property management practices and the impact on affected communities.