Efforts are underway by the Republic of Cyprus through the United Nations as well as by the bi-communal Technical Committee on Crime and Criminal Matters, for the release of the five Greek Cypriots who were illegally arrested on Saturday in the Turkish occupied territories of Republic, sources told CNA on Monday.
According to the same sources, there is a constant update on how the situation is developing, and efforts and pressure are being intensified to secure their release as soon as possible.
The sources added that relatives of the five individuals visited them on Monday after arrangements made through the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.
According to information from the bicommunal Technical Committee, the five detainees face “charges” of “illegal entry into the occupied territories and for disturbing the peace.”
They are expected to appear in “court” on Wednesday morning for “sentencing”, the sources said, noting that the “penalty” for such “offenses” is usually a fine.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.