Niki Laou - Strasbourg
Negotiations between the European Parliament’s political groups have produced a tough draft resolution on the detention of five Greek Cypriots in the Turkish-occupied north. The final text will be put to a vote in Strasbourg tomorrow.
Speaking to journalists, Cypriot MEPs said the resolution is “as strong as it could possibly be,” making clear that Turkey is responsible for everything that happens in the occupied areas. “The unlawful arrests must end immediately, and any retaliatory action connected to the prosecutions of property usurpers in the Republic of Cyprus cannot be tolerated,” they stressed.
The resolution also calls on the European Parliament and EU institutions to take all necessary measures and to explore punitive actions against Turkey if the five detainees are not released.
While the different political groups had initially prepared separate drafts, the final text reflects a united position. “This is a resolution that leaves no doubt: Turkey bears full legal and political responsibility for the illegal detention of these European citizens,” the MEPs added.
The five European citizens, arrested in July while visiting their properties, remain in custody under a shifting series of court orders, with their case now under scrutiny both in Strasbourg and within the Turkish Cypriot community itself.
