Cyprus MYSTERY of pre 1974 PROPERTY TITLE DEEDS of the Dispossessed

Oneness · advanced member

I have spoken to many different people in Cyprus but no one seems to know where the original title deeds of are kept. Sad

One person said that the UN took care of the Famagusta Land Office in Famagusta but no one has been able to substantiate this since including the UN. Others say the Famagusta Land Office in Larnaca. Confused

But I am told that, during the 1990's, generally, people were allowed to register whatever they wished at Larnaca. I was not allowed. The Office insisted I show written proof of my ownership. Surely, they could appreciate, it is not always possible when you are suddenly forced to flee during an invasion. But no. Luckily, with some of my property, I had business correspondence from the 1960's and 1970's concerning specific tenancy arrangements. That is all the office was prepared to register. So what, then, about the properties I had still to register? Evil or Very Mad

I met the Director of the FLO in Larnaca and he explained to me that all the records of property people have registered are worthless. He said he felt like sending it all away in lorries to be burnt. He said, however, that the Turks are obliged to keep the original books and title deeds in the Land Office in Famagusta. Why then do we not see these records? Turkish Cypriots, like the GC's, are only human and I somehow struggle to believe that, given 30 years of opportunity they have not destroyed or doctored the original records.

If that is the case, what fair and accurate basis, if any, has the Property Board - proposed in the Annan Plan - to receive, verify and decide on claims for property and to allocate that property?

If this is the collosal problem it appears to me to be, why is it that I have not noticed this matter get much attention in the Cypriot press? Perhaps it is just me?!?

Is there a reliable official body anywhere which can confirm the wherabouts of pre 1974 property title deeds and records of dispossessed N. Cyprus properties? Can the dispossessed have access to such records?

I hope I'm writing on behalf of other's in my predicament too. Thanks.

Oneness · advanced member

I am suggesting that people have been able to register occupied property without the need of proof ... except people like me. Is this correct?

Even my lawyer in Cyprus has not been able to provide answers. Is this a just a problem for Greeks Cypriots in England?!? Surprised

Piratis · Moderator

Oneness · advanced member

thanx piratis

has anyone got any more ideas?

nathar · member

Oneness, some years ago I spoke with a retired official of the Land office in Famagusta who at the time of the invasion was active and he told me that all documents are kept safe by the T/C authorities according to some legal agreements. He also told me that any false property declarations will not stand a chance in case of a solution and through legal procedures everybody will be able to prove an ownership
This aspect can also be justified by the so called "guardianship"( I don't know if it is the correct word or just an exact translation from greek) of occupied properties
That's all I can provide on my side
All the best in your research

Oneness · advanced member

Thanks nathar.

In my opinion, the UN should have been, and should be, entrusted to take care of the original title deeds of the dispossessed property owners. I also believe that the dispossessed should have been able to request that copies of the originals be issued to them. I think it is unacceptable that, for 30 years, owners have not been able to request copies of the original title deeds.

I think it is amazing that the Cypriot people have had to rely on hearsay for so long. The UN and the govenments and media on both sides leave the general public in such confusion and apparently provide no written or televised declarations on this most important matter. Why is it that the general Cypriot public has neither heard nor read official statements about this matter?

Surely, this matter should take priority over pointless arduous exercises by both sides in making their own new deeds and should be a pre-requsisite to any further UN backed settlement negotiations concerning property of the dispossessed.

I believe it is duty of the UN, the EU, the Cypriot governments and the Cypriot media to ensure this happens. At least, we would like an official statement to clarify was is the true situation.

No more must we be left in the dark.

Thank you.

Oneness · advanced member

No settlement will ever work if legitimate property owners are not recognised. There is no point in negotiating another Plan until then. Isn't it time then that Cypriots on both sides are given certified copies of their original title deeds as confirmation of recognition?

Who is going to help? Either side? The UN? No one?

Theory is all very well but what about putting it into practise?!?