Cyprus-Forum.com

[reportfromcyprus]

http://www.reportfromcyprus.com/index.htm

Talat looks like he's about to close the borders after the arrests of the Russian couple who bought land in northern Cyprus.

This is not looking good.

[theresa]

No, it is not looking good. How can every person crossing over to the South from the North prove that they don't live in or on land that is Greek Cypriot? In effect its the South Goverment thats closing the crossing - Whats the point in a crossing that everyone is scared to use? I live in a Turkish Cyp property (on land thats been in the family for generations) but how can I prove it? The house was built after 1974 on an olive grove - so no record of it in the South, and I have been warned not to cross over 'cos I cant prove where I live!!!!
Tess

[reportfromcyprus]

That must be difficult for you, Tess.

[cypezokyli]

neither talat nor tpap can afford to close the borders.
talat is simply taking advantage of the situation, to polarise the climate.
nothing more and nothing less.

[theresa]

But who can use the borders without getting arrested - my passport (EU) has a TRNC work permit stamped inside - its obvious that I live in the TRNC, but as I said above - how can I prove I DONT live in former Greek property?
Tess

[reportfromcyprus]

neither talat nor tpap can afford to close the borders.
talat is simply taking advantage of the situation, to polarise the climate.
nothing more and nothing less.

One would hope that it's just rhetoric, because the lives of ordinary people are not being made easier by either side's current policies.

[Bananiot]

Theresa, you do not have to prove anything. It's up to the RoC to prove that you you are an outlaw.

[theresa]

What after I am arrested? Its obvious that I live and work in TRNC so I have to live somewhere dont I? I would rather not bother risking arrest for the sake of spending a few Cyp Pounds somewhere that visitors from TRNC are obviously not wanted! With this going on - I cant see a solution in our lifetime.
Tess

[Bananiot]

Tess, we should't allow Papadopoulos and the thick heads have it all their way. The borders will not close!

[Kifeas]

No, it is not looking good. How can every person crossing over to the South from the North prove that they don't live in or on land that is Greek Cypriot? In effect its the South Goverment thats closing the crossing - Whats the point in a crossing that everyone is scared to use? I live in a Turkish Cyp property (on land thats been in the family for generations) but how can I prove it? The house was built after 1974 on an olive grove - so no record of it in the South, and I have been warned not to cross over 'cos I cant prove where I live!!!!
Tess

You do not need to prove anything Theresa. The RoC Land registry has all the records of all the properties in the occupied north, and to whom each piece of plot, house or land belongs to. If the property you have was bought from its legal owner, then you should have absolutely nothing to worry about. I do not know any country in the world in which it is not illegal for anyone to trade, develop, exploit or usurp property without the consent of its lawful owner; therefore I do not see why some people complain about the enforcement of such a law in the RoC. There is an exception to this law, due to the events of 1974, which is based on the principle /doctrine of necessity. Based on this principle, TCs and GCs that have been dislocated from their homes and properties, may temporarily use for their normal family habitation, evacuated houses belonging to people from the other community, or temporarily use similar land to cultivate it so that they may earn a living for their families; until a solution to the problem is found. However, this principle /doctrine of necessity has its logical limitations and certainly does allow for the usurping, development and /or selling of these properties to third parties, foreigners, settlers from Turkey, or non-dispossessed TCs, etc. In this case, the doctrine of necessity doesn't apply, and certainly the normal laws of the country which make it illegal to usurp properties and trade or exploit them without the consent of the lawful owner do apply. Under this laws any foreigner or non-elligible under the doctrine of necessity person that usurped and /or is trespassing a GC owned property in the north is subject to arrest and prosecution. I see nothing wrong will this policy, and if Talat wants to close the occupation roadblocks, he may go ahead and do so. His mask will slip further down off his face!