President Ersin Tatar reiterated that the fenced-off town of Maraş had been reopened by respecting human rights.

Tatar who received the head of the TRNC Immovable Property Commission (IPC) Növber Ferit Vechi on Tuesday said that the IPC was carrying out an important duty.

He also said that the Greek Cypriot administration was in the wrong for exerting pressure on its own citizens not to apply to the commission.

Reminding that the initiative to reopen Maraş had been carried out with the support of Turkey, Tatar said that all steps taken in the fenced-off town were done in respect of human rights.

“We have made it clear that the IPC will evaluate all applications made. A cabinet decision has been taken to reinstate properties that are located within the 3.5 per cent pilot area being prepared for resettlement. The area’s military status has been lifted and has been transformed into a civilian area,” he added.

Pointing out that the Maraş initiative was an important step taken politically, President Ersin Tatar said that the move was part of the grander policy being pursued by the TRNC.