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Debate Over Inheritance of Turkish Cypriot Properties Heats Up
Tensions flared at the House refugee committee meeting on Tuesday as the interior ministry and audit service debated proposed legislative changes concerning the management of Turkish Cypriots properties. The discussion centered around the contentious issue of allowing these properties to be inherited, a move that has divided opinions and raised eyebrows among members of parliament.
Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides voiced concerns that the proposed changes could undermine the role of the interior ministry as the guardian of these properties. He argued that enabling inheritance by relatives of refugees residing in them could negate the ministry’s oversight. In contrast, the interior ministry defended the amendment, stating it would enhance the status of displaced persons by allowing them to pass on the right to lease their residence to their children under specific conditions.
The ministry clarified that inheritance pertains to the license to use the property, not ownership, which remains constitutionally protected. It emphasized that this change aims to rectify long-standing inequalities and injustices faced by refugees living in Turkish Cypriot houses without security, adversely affecting building maintenance.
Addressing concerns about potential abuse and exploitation, the ministry assured that new clear and meritocratic criteria for beneficiary eligibility and classification would be introduced. This measure is intended to reduce discretionary power and ensure transparent procedures.
During the committee meeting, Michaelides also highlighted issues with the current allocation system, suggesting that it sometimes favors affluent individuals over those in genuine need. He questioned the implications for homeless refugees in scenarios where property use is inherited by multiple heirs.
Akel MP Nikos Kettiros, chairman of the committee, acknowledged efforts to rationalize the management of Turkish Cypriot properties through new regulations. However, he echoed concerns raised by the audit office regarding non-refugees potentially acquiring many properties through succession and the ambiguous definitions surrounding heir transfer and succession.
The debate took a more serious turn as Kettiros mentioned references made by the auditor general to a “black market” for Turkish Cypriot properties. This refers to concerns about illegal transactions arising from displaced persons transferring property use to non-heirs after significant investments have been made.
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