The European Parliament will debate a resolution condemning the detention of five Greek Cypriots in the occupied north, following an initiative by Cyprus’s delegation to the European People’s Party led by DISY MEPs Loukas Fourlas and Michalis Hadjipantela.
The debate titled “detention of European citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus” is scheduled for Wednesday, 10 September, with the resolution expected for approval on Thursday, 11 September, demanding immediate and unconditional release of the five compatriots.
The resolution will specifically name the five Greek Cypriots and reference retaliatory measures due to arrests of usurpers of Greek Cypriot properties, according to the MEPs’ statements from Strasbourg.
Cyprus MEPs secure urgent debate on illegal detention
The resolution will address Turkey directly, demanding action to secure the five Greek Cypriots’ release and compliance with European obligations. The text will hold Turkey responsible for the illegal detention as the power behind the occupation authorities.
Specifically, the European Parliament will condemn the illegal and politically motivated detention of five European Union citizens, noting detention continues without credible evidence based on decisions by an unrecognised “court.” The resolution will highlight that detainees face serious health problems and lack medical care, constituting inhuman treatment.
Resolution demands immediate unconditional release of EU citizens
The European Parliament will demand immediate unconditional release of the five and termination of all arbitrary prosecutions. The resolution will call on the European Commission to undertake diplomatic, political and legal measures in cooperation with the UN and other international bodies for their release.
The text will express support for the Republic of Cyprus to pursue legal action against Turkey, including at the European Court of Human Rights. It will remind that Turkey bears full responsibility for actions of the occupation regime and that continued occupation constitutes serious violation of international law and obstacle to peace, stability and EU-Turkey relations.
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