Cyprus ‘disappointed’ with CoE decision on Titina Loizidou case

The government on Thursday expressed disappointment with the same-day decision by a Council of Europe committee to end the supervision process in the implementation of a prior European Court of Human Rights ruling regarding a Greek Cypriot refugee’s individual application against Turkey.

The refugee in question is Titina Loizidou, who in 1996 won her case against Turkey at the Echr, concerning the restitution and peaceful enjoyment of her property in Kyrenia, on the northern coast of Cyprus.

In a press release, the foreign ministry also said it was disappointed at “the negative role” and involvement of the Secretariat of the Council of Europe in ending the supervision.

“It is noted that Turkey, despite paying some compensation to Ms Loizidou, continues to not comply with its obligation to restore all or part of Ms Loizidou’s property.”

Therefore, it added, “the decision to end the supervision of the implementation of the decision by the Council of Europe is legally unsound and politically problematic.

“At the same time, it sends the wrong messages to Turkey, which the Echr decision held solely responsible for depriving Ms Loizidou of her property, as a result of the invasion and continued occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.”

The ministry went on to stress that the decision of the Committee of Deputy Ministers does not in any case imply the lifting and/or termination of Turkey’s obligations to restore Loizidou’s property.

Previously, Turkey had asked the European Council committee to close the supervision of the case, following the damages paid to Loizidou. Regarding the restitution of the property, Ankara cited the immovable property commission, operating in the north the island, as a remedy.