The Turkish Cypriot religious endowment foundation Evkaf said Tuesday it owns a lot of land within the British bases and demanded rent from any development of that property.
Evkaf was referring to the agreement signed last June between the government and Britain allowing development of certain areas inside the British bases, which so far could `have only been used for agricultural purposes.
In a written statement, Evkaf questions the validity of the agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and Britain and said it has also informed the British authorities that it has property rights in those areas that must not be ignored.
It also said that the agreement was signed without the consent of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey, arguing that this violates one of the main principles of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.
Evkaf said it has title deeds to thousands of acres of land in Dhekelia and Akrotiri and for any development to take place inside, a lease must be signed with Evkaf otherwise it would, take legal measures.
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and Turkey had reacted criticised the agreement. Both had argued that the Turkish Cypriot community should have been consulted since Turkish Cypriots too have properties in those areas.
The agreement concerns 18 square kilometres of around 254 square kilometres retained by former colonial ruler Britain in Akrotiri in Limassol, and Dhekelia, Larnaca, as sovereign territory used as military bases. People with properties in these areas are now able to sell and develop their land. The agreement provides for the release of about 8.6 square kilometres of land in Akrotiri and 9.3 in the Dhekelia area, which will be included development zones.
Apart from housing, the land can be used for tourism, commercial, industrial, and large-scale developments like schools, theme parks, sports and entertainment centres, and hospitals or other health facilities. Smaller scale developments such as petrol stations, restaurants, reception halls, and others will also be permitted.
The agreement affects three municipalities, Ypsonas, Kato Polemidia, and Dherynia and 16 communities, Asomatos, Trachoni, Kolossi, Erimi, Sotira, Paramali, Avdimou, Akrotiri, Frenaros, Avgorou, Afheritos, Pyla, Ormidhia, Xylotympou, Xylofagou and Achna, in the districts of Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta.
