Nicosia: The Government of the Republic of Cyprus denounced the “arrest” and “detention” of five Greek Cypriots by the illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied areas of the island as a premeditated and provocative act. The Greek Cypriots were arrested two weeks ago near occupied Trikomo on suspicion of espionage. Two of them were “remanded in custody” for an additional three months on Thursday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Director of the Press Office of the President, Victoras Papadopoulos, issued a written statement expressing the Government’s anger over the situation, describing the trial as a mockery. Papadopoulos stated that the kidnapping and continued illegal detention of the Greek Cypriots, along with their referral to a military court, are provocative and unacceptable actions that violate international law and fundamental human rights. Turkey has previously been convicted for such offenses by the ECHR in 2001.
Papadopoulos also mentioned statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, indicating that these actions by the Turkish regime are well-planned. He noted that the Government is actively seeking the release of the Greek Cypriots through international channels. Complaints and representations have been made to the UN Peacekeeping Force, the UN headquarters in New York, the EU, and members of the UN Security Council.
According to the Director of the President’s Press Office, the detention of the Greek Cypriot couple, who had filed an application with the “immovable property commission” in the Turkish-occupied territories, demonstrates Turkey’s non-compliance with ECHR decisions. On the contrary, Turkey has chosen to imprison legitimate property owners visiting the occupied territories to view their homes.
He further noted that these actions by the illegal regime disrupt efforts by the UN Secretary-General to resume peace talks for a Cyprus solution and jeopardize calls for a climate of trust between the two communities. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third. UN-led peace talks have repeatedly failed due to Turkish intransigence, with the latest round in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ending inconclusively.
A second informal meeting on Cyprus was held in New York on July 16-17, 2025, with another meeting anticipated later this year. The UN Secretary-General, Ant³nio Guterres, stated that these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to continuing dialogue. Guterres also announced plans to meet jointly with Cyprus leaders during the General Assembly high-level week in September.