Nicosia: The ongoing illegal detention of five Greek Cypriots in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus constitutes a violation of fundamental principles of law and human rights, Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, told CNA.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis stated that the Republic of Cyprus is intensifying its diplomatic efforts at both the United Nations and the European Union levels, as well as towards third states, to achieve the immediate termination of their illegal detention and to restore the rights of citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and the EU. The state is considering activating all available legal means against Turkey, including proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights.
The Spokesman called on all those passing from the government-controlled to the occupied areas to be particularly cautious. He made these remarks following the postponement of the so-called “hearing procedure” before a “military court” for five Greek Cypriots accused of “illegal entry into a military zone” in the occupied areas of Cyprus.
Letymbiotis emphasized that “the illegal detention of our five compatriots is completely baseless,” adding that it is “a flagrant violation of fundamental principles of law and human rights.” He described the situation as an illegal act by Turkey and the occupation regime, which shows a disregard for legality.
The government strongly condemns this action and is intensifying diplomatic actions at the UN, EU, and with third states to terminate the illegal detention and restore the rights of the Republic of Cyprus and EU citizens. The Republic is also considering legal actions against Turkey, including proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights.
Letymbiotis advised caution for those traveling to the occupied areas due to the provocative stance of the occupation regime, which violates fundamental freedoms and rights under fabricated charges.
The five Greek Cypriots were detained almost a month ago after crossing into the Turkish-occupied part of the island. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. UN-led peace talks have so far failed to resolve the issue. An illegal breakaway entity declared independence in the occupied areas in 1983, an action condemned by the UN Security Council and the international community.