Strasbourg: A written declaration addressing the ongoing illegal detention of five Greek Cypriots in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus has been submitted by Pablo Hisp¡n, the leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) political group in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). This initiative is supported by a substantial number of Members from all five PACE political groups and follows a letter from Annita Demetriou, the President of the House of Representatives, to the President of PACE.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the declaration condemns the illegal detention of the Greek Cypriots by the occupation regime for seeking to visit properties from which they were forcibly evicted decades ago. This act is considered a violation of their fundamental human rights and contrary to the principles and values upheld by the Council of Europe.
The declaration emphasizes that this incident is not isolated but part of broader efforts by Turkey to intimidate displaced Greek Cypriots who seek to reclaim their rights. It also aims to undermine efforts for rapprochement between the two communities in Cyprus.
The Written Declaration urges PACE to denounce these illegal actions and demands the immediate release of the detainees. It calls on Turkey to honor its international obligations and cease these activities. This initiative by the EPP leader in the Assembly follows a letter-demarche sent by Annita Demetriou to PACE President Theodoros Roussopoulos, highlighting violations of international law and human rights by Turkey and its subordinate regime in Cyprus.
Nikos Tornaritis, head of the Cypriot delegation to the CSTO, has also communicated with national delegations to the Assembly, reinforcing his position with direct contacts with Assembly representatives.
The five Greek Cypriots were detained on July 19 in the Turkish-occupied village of Trikomo, charged with ‘illegal entry’ by the regime’s authorities. They remain in detention, facing ‘court sessions’ amidst reports of health issues. The Cyprus government has condemned their arrests, demanding their release. A European Commission spokesperson reiterated that the EU does not recognize the self-proclaimed state in northern Cyprus or its judicial system.
Cyprus has experienced division since Turkey’s invasion in 1974, which resulted in the occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has not been reached, with the last negotiation round in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ending without agreement.