Nicosia: President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou has issued a call to action, urging her counterparts from the Parliaments of Small European States to rally for the immediate release of five Greek Cypriots unlawfully detained in the Turkish-occupied regions of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Demetriou made this appeal during her opening address at the 18th Conference of Presidents of Parliaments of Small European States. She highlighted the plight of the five Greek Cypriots, who have been held since July 19 on unsubstantiated charges by the illegal regime in the occupied areas. Their detention is reportedly a retaliatory measure against the Republic of Cyprus for prosecuting foreign nationals who have taken over Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories.
Demetriou reminded the attendees that the European Parliament had recently passed a resolution condemning this illegal act and urging Turkey, the occupying power, to facilitate their release. She emphasized the importance of solidarity among the small European states to send a strong message in support of democracy, justice, and human rights.
Welcoming participants, Demetriou lauded the conference as a testament to the close ties and shared values among small European states. She underscored the conference’s role in amplifying their collective voice in Europe and beyond, stressing the importance of unity in upholding international law, human rights, and the rule of law.
The conference agenda covers critical topics, including participatory democracy, the challenges and opportunities posed by Artificial Intelligence, and the role of small states during global instability. Additionally, there is a proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding to institutionalize cooperation among the participating parliaments.
Addressing the ongoing Cyprus issue, Demetriou recounted the challenges faced by Cyprus since the Turkish invasion in 1974, which resulted in the occupation of 37% of its territory. Despite these challenges, she noted Cyprus’s economic growth and its accession to the European Union three decades later. She also looked ahead to Cyprus’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, highlighting the country’s role as a stable and credible international partner.
Demetriou concluded by affirming the House of Representatives’ commitment to constructive contributions in the development and modernization of Cyprus, reiterating the division of Cyprus since 1974 and the ongoing quest for a peaceful resolution through UN-led negotiations. The recent arrests in Trikomo, where five Greek Cypriots were detained while visiting their properties, have drawn widespread condemnation from both the Cyprus government and the European Parliament, which continue to call for their release amidst the complex geopolitical landscape.