The Executive Board member of New Cyprus Party (YKP), Murat Kanatli has made a statement today stating that they YKP is worried about a new process concerning the destruction of the houses of Greek Cypriots in Rizokarpaso (Dipkarpaz). A new process began in the village with the pretext of renovation of some houses and with the “help” of military authorities. Kanatli said that they are worried about the destruction of the property of Greek Cypriots and said that they were demanding that this should be stopped immediately.

The statement follows:

“Rizokarpaso (Dipkarpaz) is one of the two villages in the northern part of Cyprus where Greek Cypriots continue to live. Due to socio-economic reasons, there has been a lot of emigration to the south throughout the years and the population of Greek Cypriots living in this village has dramatically reduced.

For many years there was a resistance against the opening of schools where the education would be in the Greek language. Since there were no such schools. children would be sent to the schools in the south and later, when these children came to the age of military service, Greek Cypriot authorities would not allow them to cross to the north, and after their military service the Turkish authorities would not allow them to come to the north. Because of this, and either for the benefit of their children or due to  economic difficulties or other reasons, many Greek Cypriots had to leave their homes.  It is quite a shame that the problems of either the Maronites, or the Greek Cypriots have not been solved since 1974 and despite some progress, they are still being forced to live in closed ghettos.

New additions are made to this shameful situation. If the Maronites and Greek Cypriots did not return to their homes after a certain period (this was 6 months) their houses would be taken over. This is a big violation of human rights andthis procedure is still continuing.

A new situation now follows. Under the pretext of renovation and cleaning up in the village, with the help of the military, some Greek Cypriot houses which have historical and cultural value are being destroyed or damaged severely. Permission was not given to 8 families who wanted to return – when we take this into consideration as well, it is clear that the aim is for Greek Cypriots from Rizokarpaso to be chased away from Rizokarpaso completely and their marks to be wiped out completely.

YKP calls on the relevant authorities to stop such activities including social and cultural destruction.

YKP calls on all international structures to be sensitive towards this “destruction policy”.

YKP calls on all political parties and structures in the northern part of Cyprus for common struggle for the rights of Greek Cypriots and Maronites who have chosen to live in the northern part of Cyprus after 1974... We remind that defending the human rights and freedoms of the Maronites and Greek Cypriots who have chosen to live in the northern part of Cyprus after 1974 should be the mission of all progressives and democrats... The human rights and freedoms Greek Cypriots and Maronites are entrusted to us...