Nicosia: Cyprus House President Annita Demetriou has taken significant diplomatic steps by making formal representations to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Theodoros Rousopoulos of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. These moves are in response to the ongoing illegal detention of five Greek Cypriots by authorities in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Demetriou’s letters highlight the detrimental impact of these actions on the prospects for renewed negotiations concerning the Cyprus issue. She has urged both European officials to leverage their influence to secure the immediate release of the detainees and to ensure Turkey’s adherence to its international human rights obligations.
Demetriou’s communication stresses that the detentions, which began on July 19, are retaliatory measures against the Republic of Cyprus’s legal actions against foreign nationals occupying Greek Cypriot properties. She describes these detentions as blatant violations of international law and the fundamental rights of the displaced Greek Cypriots, who were detained while attempting to visit their properties under Turkish military control since 1974.
Demetriou argues that such actions not only create a climate of fear among Greek Cypriots but also impede their efforts to reclaim their rights. She emphasizes that resolving property issues is crucial for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, aligning with international and European legal frameworks and UN resolutions.
Moreover, Demetriou warns that these actions undermine trust-building initiatives called for by the UN Secretary-General and align with Ankara’s push for a “two-state” solution, which could lead to the formal division of Cyprus.
The island of Cyprus has remained divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of its northern third. Efforts under UN auspices to resolve the conflict have been unsuccessful, largely due to Turkey’s inflexible stance. The last major negotiation attempt in 2017 ended without agreement.
Recent developments included an informal meeting in New York in July 2025, with further discussions expected later this year. UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres has committed to facilitating ongoing dialogue and will meet with Cypriot leaders during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in September. The negotiations continue to address issues such as crossing points, solar projects in the buffer zone, and cultural exchanges, with UN envoy Maria Angela Holgun actively involved in the process.