Nicosia: The Government of Cyprus is ramping up its efforts to put an end to the illegal detention of Greek Cypriots in the occupied territories, as highlighted in a recent press release by the Presidency of the Republic. The government has lodged complaints about these unlawful actions with key international figures, including the UN Secretary-General, the Presidents of the European Union Institutions, the EU High Representative, the Commissioner for Enlargement, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU Member States.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the government has strongly condemned the ongoing illegal and inhumane treatment of five Greek Cypriot citizens by the occupying regime. These actions represent a severe violation of fundamental human rights and basic freedoms. The Presidency of the Republic criticized the recent decision by the so-called military court of the occupation regime, which is subordinate to Turkey, as further evidence of Turkey’s disregard for international law.
The press release emphasized that Turkey’s premeditated actions aim to intimidate Greek Cypriots visiting the occupied areas or seeking compensation from the committee in those areas. The Government of Cyprus is holding Turkey accountable for these actions, which it describes as kidnapping, hostage-taking, and sham procedures.
The government has communicated its denunciation to various international bodies, including the UN Secretary-General, the Presidents of the European Union Institutions, the EU High Representative, the Commissioner for Enlargement, the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU Member States. The government is committed to intensifying its efforts to secure the immediate release of the detained Greek Cypriots.
The five Greek Cypriots, all over the age of 60, were illegally arrested on July 19 near the Turkish-occupied town of Trikomo. Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. In 1983, an illegal breakaway entity declared independence in the occupied areas, a move that has been condemned by the UN Security Council and the international community.