Greek cypriots — European Parliament to Address Detention of Greek Cypriots in Occupied North

The European Parliament will debate a resolution condemning the detention of five Greek Cypriots in the occupied north, a move led by Cyprus’s delegation to the European People’s Party. This initiative has been spearheaded by DISY MEPs Loukas Fourlas and Michalis Hadjipantela.

Scheduled for Wednesday, 10 September, the debate titled “detention of European citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus” marks a significant step in addressing the plight of these individuals. The resolution is expected to be approved on Thursday, 11 September, demanding their immediate and unconditional release.

The text of the resolution will not only name the five detained Greek Cypriots but also reference the context of their arrests, which are viewed as retaliatory measures linked to the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties. Statements from the MEPs in Strasbourg assert that the resolution will directly call upon Turkey to act for the release of these EU citizens, emphasising Turkey’s responsibility for their illegal detention as the authority behind the occupation.

In its discussions, the European Parliament will explicitly condemn the politically motivated detainment of the five Greek Cypriots, highlighting that their continued imprisonment lacks credible evidence and is based on decisions from an unrecognised “court.” The health issues faced by the detainees and the absence of adequate medical care will also be addressed, framing their situation as inhumane treatment.

The resolution’s demands are unequivocal; it seeks the immediate and unconditional release of the five Greek Cypriots, along with the cessation of all arbitrary prosecutions against them. Additionally, it will urge the European Commission to take diplomatic, political, and legal measures in collaboration with the UN and other international entities to facilitate their release.

Furthermore, the resolution extends its support to the Republic of Cyprus in pursuing legal actions against Turkey, potentially at the European Court of Human Rights. It points out that Turkey bears full responsibility for the actions of the occupying regime, asserting that the ongoing occupation is a serious violation of international law and an impediment to peace, stability, and the EU-Turkey relationship.