Parliament Speaker Annita Demetriou has reached out to European leaders concerning the detention of five Greek Cypriots in the occupied areas. These individuals were arrested while attempting to visit their properties, a right the Republic of Cyprus argues is protected under international law.
Greek cypriots: Diplomatic Efforts Underway
In formal letters addressed to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Roussopoulos, Demetriou highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Cyprus government at both the UN and European Union levels. She urged these leaders to leverage their influence to secure the immediate release of the detained individuals and to ensure that Turkey adheres to its international obligations, particularly in relation to human rights.
Allegations of Political Retaliation
Demetriou described the situation as a “premeditated political act of reprisals,” asserting that the illegal arrest of the five Greek Cypriots since 19th July was retaliation for the lawful prosecution of foreign nationals involved in the appropriation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied regions. This claim underscores the tense relationship between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-controlled north.
Human Rights Violations Highlighted
The parliament speaker condemned the actions taken by the authorities in the occupied areas as a “flagrant violation of international law and fundamental human rights.” She noted that the detained Greek Cypriots were merely seeking to visit properties that have been under Turkish military occupation since 1974.
Intimidation Tactics Exposed
Demetriou articulated concerns that such tactics are intended to intimidate property owners and dissuade them from asserting their rights. “These tactics clearly aim to terrorise and prevent Greek Cypriots from visiting their properties and seeking restoration of their rights,” she stated, emphasising the detrimental impact these actions have on the broader context of the Cyprus problem.
Implications for Peace Negotiations
She further argued that the property issue is a crucial element in any comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, as recognised by international and European law and relevant UN resolutions. The parliament speaker warned that such actions, occurring amidst ongoing efforts to resume negotiations, seriously undermine prospects for a peaceful resolution.
Challenges to Trust-Building Initiatives
Demetriou pointed out that these intimidation tactics contradict calls for establishing a climate of trust, as advocated by the UN Secretary-General. Instead, they align with Turkey’s push for a “two-state” solution, which she views as part of Ankara’s broader agenda for the de jure partition of Cyprus.
A Continued Diplomatic Push
The letters sent by Demetriou represent the latest in a series of diplomatic initiatives aimed at drawing attention to what Cyprus regards as systematic violations of the rights of displaced persons. The case of the five detained Greek Cypriots serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by property owners in the occupied territories, as well as the broader geopolitical tensions that continue to shape the island’s future.
