The Republic of Cyprus has initiated a diplomatic mobilisation following the arrest of five Greek Cypriots by “authorities” in the Turkish-occupied Trikomo area on charges of espionage.
Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed these developments today. Speaking to state broadcaster CyBC, Letymbiotis stated that Nicosia is in continuous contact with both the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Crime.
He added that the incident was reported to the UN immediately and ambassadors of EU member states in Cyprus have been informed.
Letymbiotis emphasised that the government’s aim is to internationalise the case and that, if necessary, further diplomatic actions will be taken.
According to information currently available to the Republic of Cyprus, the five Greek Cypriots are expected to reappear before the unrecognised entity’s “court,” though a specific timeline has not been clarified. Letymbiotis also mentioned that communication with the families of the detainees took place yesterday. Today, children of one of the detained couples will travel to the occupied areas to provide them with personal items and any necessary medication.
When asked if the arrests were a show of force, an act of raw blackmail, or a response to the government’s prosecution of property usurpers of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied north, Letymbiotis stressed, “it is beneficial not to draw conclusions before we have a complete picture. We do not see a link between the two.”
Regarding the charges faced by the five citizens, he stated that indications suggest an additional charge of “illegal entry” into a military zone. However, he stressed the need for full and objective information, noting that many reports circulating in the Turkish Cypriot press or from unofficial sources may be inaccurate.
When asked about a potential recommendation for citizens visiting the occupied territories, Letymbiotis stated that Greek Cypriots should be aware that there is no institutional protection in an illegal entity that frequently exhibits provocative and arbitrary behaviour without legal basis.
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