MVP

Tag: occupied areas

  • Greek cypriots — Parliament Speaker Appeals to EU Leaders Over Detained Greek Cypriots

    Greek cypriots — Parliament Speaker Appeals to EU Leaders Over Detained Greek Cypriots

    Parliament Speaker Annita Demetriou has reached out to European leaders regarding the detention of five Greek Cypriots in the occupied areas. In formal letters sent to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Roussopoulos, she expressed urgent concerns surrounding their continued imprisonment.

    Greek cypriots: Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

    According to a parliamentary announcement, the Cyprus government is actively pursuing diplomatic channels to address this situation. Demetriou’s correspondence urges both Metsola and Roussopoulos to leverage their positions to facilitate the release of the detained individuals, while also calling for Turkey to comply with international obligations related to human rights.

    Allegations of Political Retaliation

    The parliament speaker has described the arrest and ongoing detention of the Greek Cypriots, which began on 19th July, as a premeditated political act of reprisals. This incident is allegedly linked to the Republic of Cyprus’s lawful prosecution of foreign nationals who have been appropriating Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied regions.

    Violation of International Law

    Demetriou emphasised that the actions taken by the regime in the north represent a flagrant violation of international law and infringe upon the fundamental human rights of displaced Greek Cypriots. Many of these individuals sought to visit properties that have been under Turkish military occupation since 1974.

    Intimidation Tactics

    The parliament speaker stated, “These tactics clearly aim to terrorise and prevent Greek Cypriots from visiting their properties and seeking restoration of their rights.” Her comments underscore the broader implications of these actions on the ongoing negotiations regarding the Cyprus issue.

    Impact on Negotiation Efforts

    Demetriou pointed out that the property issue is a fundamental component of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, as recognised under international and European law. She expressed concern that such actions undermine prospects for the resumption of negotiations aimed at resolving the longstanding conflict.

    Contradicting Confidence-Building Measures

    These intimidation tactics further complicate the creation of a climate of trust, which has been advocated by the UN Secretary-General. Instead, they appear to align with Turkey’s demand for a “two-state” solution and its ultimate goal of de jure partition of Cyprus.

    A Call for International Attention

    Demetriou’s letters represent Cyprus’s latest diplomatic endeavour to highlight what it perceives as systematic violations of the rights of displaced persons. The case of the five detained Greek Cypriots is emblematic of the ongoing challenges faced by property owners in the occupied areas, where their fundamental rights are at stake under international law.

  • Greek Cypriot Arrested for Drug Trafficking After Crossing into Occupied Areas

    Greek Cypriot Arrested for Drug Trafficking After Crossing into Occupied Areas

    A 32-year-old Greek Cypriot man has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking after his claims of accidentally entering occupied northern Cyprus were called into question.

    • A 32-year-old Greek Cypriot man has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking after his claims of accidentally entering occupied northern Cyprus were called into question.

    The resident of Nicosia was taken into custody by British Bases police following a series of investigations that suggested he may have deliberately crossed into the territory. The incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning, around 4:00 am, near the road leading from Xylotymbou to the Strovilia checkpoint.

    Drug trafficking: Unfolding Events at the Checkpoint

    According to sources from Philenews, the suspect initially claimed he had entered the occupied area by mistake while looking for a place to relieve himself. He stated that he noticed lights directed towards him and realised they were coming from a guard post operated by the occupation authorities. In a panic, he claimed to have fled back into government-controlled areas, abandoning his vehicle in the process.

    Police Findings Raise Doubts

    However, investigations by the British Bases Dhekelia police appear to contradict the man’s narrative. Evidence collected during the inquiry suggests that his movements were not accidental but rather part of a planned attempt to move between territories. Police sources emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into potential drug smuggling operations connected to the suspect.

    Jurisdiction and Law Enforcement

    The British Sovereign Base Areas operate their own police force, which is tasked with maintaining law and order across the territory, including some parts of the buffer zone separating the two communities in Cyprus. This arrest underscores the complexities of jurisdiction in the region, especially concerning activities related to drug trafficking.

    Further Implications for Cross-Border Movement

    The case raises questions about the ongoing issue of cross-border movements in Cyprus, particularly concerning the porous nature of the dividing line between the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied areas. As authorities continue to investigate, the incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing drug trafficking and ensuring safety in the region.