Tuesday 10th February 2015: The British Turkish Cypriot Association & Southwark Turkish Cypriot Association, both members of the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations (UK), jointly hosted three events on the issue of ownership of Maraş / Varosha.
A synopsis of the subject matter presented is as follows:
The issue of ownership of Maraş / Varosha is no longer a local issue. In addition to being the most important dispute of the Cyprus problem, this controversial town has also become a major international issue. The aim of the conference is to shed light on land and property issues in Cyprus and to determine the lawful property ownership rights in the resort town of Famagusta within a legal and historical perspective. As such, the ownership assessment shall be based on locally and internationally recognised legal documents. The centre of discussion shall be the Evkaf Foundation, the greatest landowner of Cyprus. The Evkaf Foundation, a member of Brussels-based European Foundation Centre, is a constitutionally acknowledged philanthropic organization founded in the year 1571. According to constitutional and legal provisions in force since 1571, no one can acquire the ownership of Foundation immovable properties under any pretext or on any ground. The Laws of Cyprus confirm that foundations are irrevocable, perpetual, inalienable and to be compensated for loss of revenue.
Cetin Ramadan
Chairman
British Turkish Cypriot Association