President Ersin Tatar has said that the Maraş Initiative has gained the TRNC much in terms of tourism, the economy and politically.

Tatar’s words came during an interview with the Turkish state news agency Anadolu on the occasion of the first anniversary of the launch of the process to reopen the fenced-off city for civilian purposes.

He said that the initiative has allowed foreign nationals including Greek Cypriots to visit the reopened sections of the town which had remained off limits to the public for the past 46 years.

Tatar added that Greek Cypriot MPs had recently visited the area to see for themselves the developments taking place.

Reminding that Maraş had remained closed for decades with the idea that it would be returned to the Greek Cypriot side in the event of a settlement, the president said that all efforts to reach a solution in Cyprus failed as a result of the Greek Cypriot side’s intransigent stance.

“It was out of the question to keep Maraş closed off after all these developments. The Maraş Initiative was first raised during my term as prime minister,” he said.

Tatar also explained how ownership of property in Maraş, which originally belonged to religious foundations and which was later joined under the Vakıflar administration, had unlawfully been transferred by the British colonial administration to Greek Cypriot individuals.

“This practice was against the law as no property belonging to a religious foundation can be sold to individuals,” he said.

President Ersin Tatar added that there were currently 400 Greek Cypriot applications pending at the Immovable Property Commission which is recognized by the European Court of Human Rights as an effective domestic remedy.

“Despite the unlawful transfer of property in Maraş, the property claims of former residents will be dealt with through the IPC which recognizes the 1974 title deeds. The Greek Cypriot administration is currently advising its citizens not to apply to the commission, claiming that this will be an act of treason. The property owners however are ignoring these calls, stating that their authorities have tricked them for the past 47 years with false hopes of a settlement,” he said.

Tatar also said that the Maraş Initiative could speed up should more Greek Cypriots apply to the IPC.

Expressing the view that the reopening of the town will revive tourism and business in Gazimağusa’s historic area, President Ersin Tatar said, “Gazimağusa will become more popular and valuable once Maraş fully opens for settlement,” he added.

The president noted that the Turkish Cypriot side was acting in line with international law and would reinstate the rights of former residents through the IPC.

Tatar added that the Maraş Initiative was also in line with the Turkish Cypriot side’s position in favour of a two-state solution in Cyprus.

“New borders were drawn in 1974 and there is no way we can return to how things were in the past. Maraş is and will always be part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” he said

Tatar also added that rent had been paid for buildings and property belonging to the Vakıflar administration until 1960.

“Greek Cypriots will be allowed to return to their homes. It is up to them if they want to move back and live there. If not they are free to sell their properties. The Maraş Initiative is a step taken in the right direction to address the grievances of former residents and property owners.

President Ersin Tatar also said that there will be a need for more law enforcement should the town reopen for settlement.

He concluded by saying that Turkey full supports the initiative.