Tensions escalated in the north on Tuesday over recent arrests linked to the usurpation of Greek Cypriot, with Turkish Cypriot opposition leader Tufan Erhurman warning that the deadlock in Cyprus talks is fuelling legal and political instability.

Speaking to Kibris Postasi, Erhurman said the arrests were the result of “a lack of dialogue and diplomacy,” criticising both sides for failing to reach a comprehensive solution.

“We are paying the price for the mindset that ‘non-solution is the solution’,” he said.

The chairman of the CTP criticised the push for a two-state model, calling it an unrealistic and unworkable proposal.

“It is being presented as a solution model, but everyone knows it cannot be implemented,” he said.

Referring to the arrests of individuals accused of usurping Greek Cypriot land in the north, Erhurman questioned the role of the authorities.

“If we expect each person to protect themselves, then why do we need the state?” he asked, warning that people had started taking matters into their own hands because they no longer trusted state protection.

Erhurman also claimed the Greek Cypriot side had blocked past peace efforts and was now using legal tools to enforce property claims.

He accused them of creating legal obstacles in sectors like higher education and tourism, damaging the Turkish Cypriot economy.

Meanwhile, Yeni Bakis reported that the Republic is now preparing arrest warrants for engineers and architects involved in the construction of buildings on Greek Cypriot land in the north.

The paper repeated for a third day that opening Varosha fully could be a potential response, especially since in 2023 and 2024, Turkish Cypriot businessmen reportedly bought properties there directly from Greek Cypriot owners.