South Cyprus has protested to the Council of Europe over the exploitation of Greek Cypriot property in north Cyprus, noting that illegal development has continued unchecked.

In a memorandum to the Committee of Ministers, the government of Cyprus also speaks of a “deliberate policy of thwarting the rights of Greek Cypriot owners to restitution of their properties.”

According to the memorandum, the illegal development in the occupied areas covered in 2001 an area of approximately 107 sq km, and increased to 207 sq km in 2007, and 279 sq km. in 2014. In addition, Nicosia says there is evidence of significant development in the Morfou and Karpasia areas “on a scale not seen in previous years.”

The Committee of Ministers is set to resume consideration of the issue of the property rights of displaced Greek Cypriots at a meeting in Strasbourg, between September 18-20.

In the memorandum, the Republic of Cyprus expresses grave concern about Turkey’s “continued complicity” in the unlawful sale or exploitation of Greek Cypriot homes and properties in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Cyprus also urges the Committee to recognize the urgency of the matter and take appropriate action to ensure that Court judgments are given full effect by Turkey.