Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-12-28

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Thursday, 28 December 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Government to step up efforts to secure release of Greek Cypriot illegally held in occupied area

[01] Government to step up efforts to secure release of Greek Cypriot illegally held in occupied area

The incident, which is regarded as a terrorist act, was reported to the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus and the British High Commissioner.

But in spite of their efforts, Panicos Tsiakourmas, a 39-year-old father of three children, has not been released by the illegal regime in the Turkish- occupied area.

The Government will now inform all EU member-states of the abduction and will point out the responsibility of Turkey for the actions of the illegal regime which is considered its subordinate local administration. As a candidate for EU membership Turkey is expected to conform to European human rights norms.

The Government will also bring the matter to the attention of Washington and the UN Security Council.

Greek Cypriot community leaders abroad also intend to report the matter to human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Panicos Tsiakourmas is being held in the occupied area pending his «trial» on 25 February for alleged possession of drugs. The Bases Authorities, however, are reported to have stated that Tsiakourmas was dragged from his car by force and the matter was a clear case of abduction in British sovereign territory.

The abduction is seen as retaliation for the arrest on 2 December in the government-controlled area of Turkish Cypriot Omer Tekoglu who is charged with possession of 2 kilos of heroin.

Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said there was no question of an exchange. He said the two incidents were unrelated and in any case the Government could not negotiate with an occupying power. Such an action would lead to the self-abolition of the Cyprus state and encourage the Turkish forces to resort to abductions and kidnappings of citizens as a matter of policy, he said.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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