Summary The court ordered Turkey to pay compensation to Greek Cypriots who suffered as a result of invasion.
NICOSIA (AFP) - Cyprus Monday welcomed a European Court of Human Rights decision ordering Turkey to compensate it for the 1974 Turkish invasion, saying Nicosia expects Ankara to fully comply with the judgement.
The court ordered Turkey to pay 90 million euros ($124 million) in compensation to Greek Cypriots who suffered discrimination as a result of the invasion of the island.
Cyprus government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides in a written statement said Nicosia was "especially satisfied" with the court s reference that Turkey "has not fully complied with the 2001 decision".
Thirteen years ago, the European court found Turkey guilty of "massive and continuous" rights violations following the invasion and later creation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Ankara.
"We welcome the award of compensation for moral damages to the relatives of the missing (persons) of 30 million euros," Christodoulides said.
The court ruling said 30 million euros should go to the families of people who disappeared after the invasion, and the rest to enclaved Greek Cypriots on the Karpas peninsula in the north of the divided island.
"With regard to awarding compensation for moral damages amounting to 60 million to the enclaved, the persecution and hardship that they have endured cannot be measured in money," Christodoulides said.
He said Nicosia welcomed the court once again condemning "Turkey s policy of human rights violations against the enclaved and the attempt to change the demographic character of the occupied areas".
"The government looks forward to the immediate compliance of Turkey by taking the necessary measures to stop the illegal exploitation and sale of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas and payment of the compensation awarded by the Court."
A statement from the government s Legal Services department said the compensation related to 1,456 Greek Cypriot missing and the enclaved was equivalent to 50,000 pounds sterling for each person.
It said it was studying the court decision in closer detail.
