Greek Cypriot fishermen detained by occupation regime

Nicosia, Jul 24 1996 (CNA) -- Two Greek Cypriot fishermen, both in their twenties, were detained today by the Turkish occupation regime off the eastern coast of the island.

Police investigations into the disappearance of the two fishermen, 22-year-old Yiannakis Hadjiyianni and 24-year-old George Nicolaou from Paralimni village, established that they were abducted while fishing out at sea in their small boat.

The government is trying to secure their release through the UN peace-keeping force.

This is not the first time fishermen have been detained by the Turkish occupation regime, purportedly for entering the illegal Turkish Cypriot self-styled state in the northern occupied areas.

Fishermen's so-called trial ''adjourned''

Nicosia, Jul 30 1996 (CNA) -- The two Greek Cypriot fishermen, captured by the Turkish occupation forces last Wednesday while fishing off the eastern coast of the island, have today been taken before an illegal court in the occupied part of Nicosia.

The so-called trial of Yiannakis Hadjiyiannis, 22, and George Nicolaou, 24, has been adjourned until tomorrow while representatives of the UN Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) were denied presence in the illegal court.

As UN Spokesman Waldemar Rokoszewski told CNA, the occupation regime used the excuse that the two were taken before a so-called ''military court'' to deny UNFICYP presence at the procedures.

According to the Turkish Cypriot press the two Greek Cypriots were brought before a so-called ''military court'' because they ''violated'', as they claim, ''top restricted military designated area''.

Speaking to CNA, Rockoszewski also said that despite UNFICYP efforts the families of the two captured Greek Cypriots have been denied the right to visit them.

Meanwhile UN Secretary General's Resident Representative Gustave Feissel, commenting on the government's willingness to discuss UN ''practical suggestions'' concerning the sea line security issue, provided it ''should bear no political significance'', said it was ''very good'' and ''ought to be pursued.''

Turkish soldiers abduct two young men

Nicosia, Aug 12 1996 (CNA) -- A 24-year-old Greek Cypriot and a 17-year-old Greek national were abducted this morning by the Turkish army when they lost their direction and entered the Turkish-occupied part of the Republic through the British Bases area.

The incident follows the brutal killing yesterday by Turks of Greek Cypriot Tasos Isaac, 24, from Paralimni, during a peaceful anti-occupation demonstration in Dherynia area. More than 40 other demonstrators were injured.

The Cyprus government was making representations to the UN to secure their release.

The Cyprus police told CNA that Greek Cypriot Kyriacos Hadjidimou and Greek national Christos Zaharopoulos, were on their way to the Famagusta district, in the southeastern part of this east Mediterranean island.

The two men had taken a road leading to Famagusta through one of the two sovereign military Bases (Dhekelia) Britain has retained in Cyprus, since the island won its independence from the UK in 1960.

Cypriot Senior police officer Simos Andreou informed the UN of the incident and asked for their immediate release, CNA Larnaca correspondent reported.

He adds that members of the UN Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus visited the two men illegally held at a ''police station'' in the Turkish-occupied town of Famagusta.

British Bases spokesman Tony Warner told CNA that the British police did not see their car go through and nothing is written down in the log they keep.

He said the British police ''were informed of the fact by the Turkish army, that detained them'' and said ''the incident was also confirmed by a UN soldier''.

Warner said the two men might have gone in through one of the tracks west of the Strovilia region, in the Bases.

The British Bases spokesman noted the Bases ''have no power to stop people'', from going into the areas Turkey occupies since its invasion of 1974, ''but make it their duty, if someone looks lost, to ask them their business and warn them they are going towards a Turkish military checkpoint''.

Turks release two abducted men

Nicosia, Aug 15 1996 (CNA) -- The Turkish occupation regime released today two young men, who were detained on Monday when they mistakenly strayed into the occupied part of the island.

Both men, 24-year-old Greek Cypriot Kyriacos Hadjidimou and 17-year-old Greek national Christos Zaharopoulos drove back to the government-controlled areas of the Republic in their car, escorted by officers of the UN peace-keeping force.

Neither of them made any statement to the press and both looked in good health.

Hajdidimou said he did not wish to say anything to the press because he ''had had enough in the past few days.''

They were met at the Ledra Palace checkpoint in Nicosia by family members and Greek embassy officials.

The two men were on a road to Turkish-occupied Famagusta, through one of the two British bases on the island, Dhekelia, on the southeastern part of Cyprus, when the Turkish soldiers abducted them.

Greek Cypriot youth illegally arrested

PIO 24 February 1997

Turkish occupation troops illegally arrested on 21.2.97 a Greek Cypriot youth near the Turkish occupied village of Akhna, in the eastern part of the island.

Savvas Louca Sidereniou had most probably lost his way and entered the occupied areas, a UN Peace-keeping Force (UNFICYP) Spokesman said.

Siderenios was detained in Famagusta and was then transferred to the occupied part of Nicosia.

The Spokesman said UNFICYP was in touch with the illegal Turkishoccupation authorities and was making every possible effort to secure Siderenios' release as soon as possible.

Young Greek Cypriot still illegally held

Nicosia, Feb 23 1997 (CNA) -- A Greek Cypriot youth apprehended by Turkish troops when he lost his way and drove into the Turkish-occupied areas on Friday night, is still illegally held by the occupation regime.

Cyprus Police have been informed by an officer of the UN Australian police that 23-year-old Sotiris Louca Siderenou is being held in the so- called central police station in the occupied part of Nicosia, a Police duty officer told CNA.

He said according to the same officer, the occupation regime is expected to decide on Monday whether Siderenou will be set free or will have to face an illegal court.

The Greek Cypriot youth was abducted in the Akhna area, within the sovereign British area of Dhekelia.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

Occupation regime drags Greek Cypriot before "court"

Nicosia, Feb 25 1997 (CNA) -- A Greek Cypriot, illegally detained by the Turkish occupation regime, when he strayed into the occupied northern part of Cyprus, will appear before a so-called military court in occupied Nicosia, UN spokesman Waldemar Rokoszweski told CNA today.

The young Greek Cypriot has been "charged" with "illegal entry into a military area", according to the UN.

The man, 23-year-old Sotiris Louca Siderenou, of Sotira village, was apprehended by Turkish troops on Friday night, led to a so-called police station where he was questioned and then transferred to Turkish-occupied Nicosia.

The UN has talked to Siderenou and he is in "good health", Rokoszweski said.

He said a UN officer and a doctor will be present in the self-styled trial to pick up Siderenou, if the "court" decides to release him today, a possibility the UN spokesman has not ruled out.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

Greek Cypriot "remanded in custody" by occupation regime

Nicosia, Feb 25 1997 (CNA) -- An illegal military court in the Turkish-occupied areas of the Cyprus Republic issued today an eight-day "remand order" against a Greek Cypriot youth.

According to press reports from the occupied areas, 23-year-old Savvas Siderenou, of Sotera village, was "remanded in custody" for "violating" the so-called borders of the occupation regime.

Siderenou strayed into the area occupied since Turkey invaded the island in 1974, last Friday, after leaving an engagement party.

He was abducted near Akhna village, within the sovereign British area of Dhekelia.

Turkish soldiers abduct Greek Cypriot man

Nicosia, Jun 2 1997 (CNA) -- The Cyprus government was making representations to the United Nations to secure the release of a Greek Cypriot man who was apprehended yesterday by the Turkish occupation troops.

Alexandros Taliadoros, 37, from Nicosia's eastern suburban village of Kaimakli, crossed into the UN-controlled buffer zone yesterday morning.

Initially, the occupation troops told the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) that nobody was abducted, but seven hours later they confirmed the incident.

An eyewitness working in the area said the Greek Cypriot man was badly beaten by the Turkish soldiers.

Taliadoros' parents had reported him missing to police, after he left a church mass, saying he suffers from psychological problems.

It was reported that UNFICYP personnel has not been permitted by the occupation regime to visit Taliadoros.

Greek national illegally arrested by occupation regime

According to KIBRIS (23.12.97) Greek national Sypros Liles, who crossed into the occupied area from Nicosia's suburb Ayios Pavlos by mistake, has been illegally arrested by the occupation troops and kept in custody.

The paper says that a three-day "remand order" has been issued for Liles by the pseudostate's so-called court.

Occupation troops apprehend second Greek national

Nicosia, Jan 8 1998 (CNA) -- Turkish occupation troops apprehended this afternoon a 32-year-old man from Greece, who is visiting the island, Cyprus Police said.

George Constantinou Kantaraki, from the island of Santorini, is the second Greek national to be abducted by Turkish soldiers in 18 days.

Kantaraki was seen walking into the buffer zone in Kaimakli area, in the northeastern outskirts of the divided capital Nicosia, by Greek Cypriot soldiers. The young man was then abducted by Turkish soldiers.

According to police, Kantaraki was visiting Cyprus as guest of his Greek Cypriot friend Dinos Achilleos, from Nicosia.

Police have informed the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus and are making efforts to secure Kantaraki's release.

The occupation regime is also holding Spiros Lilles, from Greece, since December 21.

Lilles had strayed into the areas occupied by Turkey since its 1974 invasion of the island, after a night out drinking with his friends.

Turkish Cypriots free Greek

Saturday, January 24, 1998

A GREEK national who crossed to the occupied areas two weeks ago was released yesterday afternoon.

A police spokesman said George Constantinou Kantarakis, 32, from the Greek island of Santorini, was handed over to Cyprus police by the UN at 5.15pm at the Ledra Palace checkpoint in Nicosia.

He was arrested on January 8 in the buffer zone on the outskirts of the city.

A second Greek national, Spyros Lilles, 24, was last week sentenced to one month's imprisonment in the north for allegedly entering a sensitive military zone. He has appealed against the decision.

Lilles crossed to the north on December 21 in the early hours. It is believed he had too much to drink.

Occupation troops abduct G/C fishermen

Nicosia, Mar 14 1998 (CNA) -- Two Greek Cypriot fishermen were abducted by Turkish occupation troops who opened fire on them early Saturday.

A Police spokesman told CNA that the two fishermen are Andreas Constantinou, 58, and George Lefteris Zelou, 65, both from Dherynia.

The two men were in their fishing-boat in the Kaparis area of Paralimni, in the southeastern coast of the island, near the Turkish-occupied town of Famagusta, when a speed boat with Turkish troops opened fire on the two who were fishing in the area.

The area is under the control of the Cyprus Republic. After the shooting, the Turks towed the boat onto the speed boat and dragged it to the closed port of Famagusta.

The spokesman said there were no reports that the fishermen were injured in the shooting. "Efforts are made through the UN to secure the release the two fishermen," the spokesman added.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

UN confirm abduction of fishermen

Nicosia, Mar 14 1998 (CNA) -- The UN Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus said two fishermen who were abducted earlier today by Turks were not injured.

However, they were taken into "custody" by the so-called regime and the UN is making efforts to see them today. Peter Schmitz, UN senior political advisor told CNA that two fishermen were "taken into custody by the other side" in the closed port of Famagusta.

Asked if the two were injured when a speed-boat with Turks opened fire on them, as they were fishing in the southeastern coast near Turkish- occupied Famagusta, Schmitz said "as far as we know they are not injured."

Asked if in the speed-boat there were Turkish soldiers, Schmitz said "this is something that the UN cannot establish at this point." "We will obviously try to see the two fishermen and talk to them." he said.

He clarified that at this point the UN cannot say under what circumstances the two were abducted. "The Australian Civilian police are dealing with the issue," Schmitz added.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island's territory.

Turks hold Greek for 8 hours

Cyprus Mail Friday, April 17, 1998

A 60-year-old Greek Cypriot was held by the Turks for eight hours yesterday after he entered the buffer zone near Mammari village outside Nicosia.

UN sources said Irinos Macheriotis walked up to Turkish troops at about 8am and told them he was from the Cyprus police. Macheriotis was detained by the troops but was handed over to Unficyp at the Ledra Palace checkpoint at around 4pm, the sources said.

Greek Cypriots straying into the occupied areas are usually held for days and brought up before 'courts' in the north for "violating a military zone".

Occupation troops apprehend three persons

Nicosia, May 12 1998 (CNA) -- Three men of unknown identity, believed to be foreigners, were illegally apprehended by Turkish occupation soldiers in the buffer zone yesterday evening.

The illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied areas has notified the UN peace-keeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), but has refused to give further details about their identity.

Famagusta district chief of police, Savvas Erodotou told CNA the three men might be foreigners and said that until now the Cyprus police had not been notified of any missing persons.

Police continue efforts to identify those three men, he said, adding that he did not know where they were illegally held.

Erodotou said police investigators were in constant touch with the UN and efforts for their immediate release would continue.

"Both the district police and the headquarters in Nicosia are working towards their release," he added.

According to CNA sources, a UN soldier saw the apprehension of the three persons at Strovilia area, in the island's eastern part, and informed the British Bases Dhekelia police stationed in the region.

The UNFICYP soldier said that around 19.30 local time (1630 GMT) he saw Turkish soldiers apprehend three men within the buffer zone, in the Strovilia area.

The illegal regime admitted to the incident but would not hand over to the British Bases police information regarding their identity.

The UN patrols a 180-kilometre long demarcation line, dividing Cyprus since Turkish troops invaded the island in 1974, occupying 37 per cent of its territory.

Britain has retained two sovereign military bases on the island, under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment of the Cyprus Republic.

Missing three confirmed as gypsies

Cyprus Mail Thursday, May 14, 1998

THREE men being held in the occupied areas have been identified by the Turkish Cypriot press as Greek gypsies from Limassol.

The UN was yesterday still unable to confirm the identity of the three detainees, apprehended by Turkish forces in the Dhekelia area late on Monday.

But Turkish Cypriot Bayrak radio named the three detainees as Costas Demetriou, 35, Georgios Charalambous, 35, and Georgos Alexiou, 26. The three, Greek gypsies resident in the Yermasoyia area, had been reported missing to Limassol police on Tuesday afternoon. _Kibris_ reported yesterday that the three men had been remanded for three days by a 'court' in the north.

UN spokesman Waldemar Rokoszewski said he was not in a position to confirm these reports.

The Cyprus News Agency (CNA) reported on Tuesday that a UN soldier had witnessed the apprehension of the three men in the Strovilia area, near the British Base of Dhekelia, at around 7.30 on Monday evening.

The UN-controlled buffer-zone does not extend along the boundary of the Sovereign base area (SBA) with the occupied areas, but the UN maintains a lookout post in the Strovilia area.

Man held by Turks after straying north

Cyprus Mail Thursday, June 18, 1998

A GREEK Cypriot was apprehended by Turkish forces yesterday after accidentally crossing into the occupied areas in the early hours, police reported.

According to a police announcement, 50-year-old Andreas Kyriakou, from Yeri outside Nicosia, was driving along the old Nicosia to Larnaca road near his village at around 2.30am when he lost his bearings and crossed to the north. He was then seized by Turkish soldiers, police said. The bulletin added that police were working with Unficyp to secure Kyriakou's release.

UN spokesman Waldemar Rokoszewski confirmed that a Greek Cypriot was being held by the Turks, but said he had "no further information at this stage."

"It appears someone entered the old (Turkish held) Larnaca to Nicosia road and was apprehended by Turkish forces," Rokoszewski said.

Occupation army - Greek nationals

Nicosia, Jul 22 1998 (CNA) -- Two Greek holiday makers were apprehended Tuesday by the Turkish occupation forces.

The Greek nationals, Thomas Niakopoulos, 36, and Aspasia Saiti, both from Larisa, entered the Turkish-occupied eastern town of Famagusta with their rented car through the British Bases checkpoint on the Vrisoules - Famagusta road.

The Cyprus authorities were making efforts through the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to secure the release of the two Greeks, who arrived on the island on July 16 and were staying at a hotel in the southern coastal town of Limassol.

Greek tourists in north head home via Istanbul

Cyprus Mail: Sunday, July 26, 1998

TWO Greek nationals arrested by the Turks on Tuesday after they crossed to the occupied areas are to be sent back to Greece via Istanbul today.

"The two Greeks are to be deported at 8am tomorrow via Istanbul," Unficyp spokesman Waldemar Rokoszewski said.

He said it was not standard procedure for the occupation regime to send detainees back via Istanbul. "I cannot recall something of the kind," he said. Tourists or Greek Cypriots held after crossing to the north are usually returned via the Ledra Palace.

On Friday, Thomas Niakopoullos, 36, and his friend Aspasia Saiti were fined and released by a "court" in the north, Rokoszewski said. They then had to wait in a Kyrenia hotel while the "court" decided whether to send them to Greece via Istanbul or to the free areas.

Rokoszewski said Niakopoullos and Saiti had been fined '45 by the "court" for "illegal entry." The two Greeks paid the fine immediately, he said.

Niakopoullos and Saiti, both from Larissa in northern Greece, crossed to the north in a hire-car via the Strovillia checkpoint in the British Base of Dhekelia on Tuesday night.

The bases said the two holidaymakers drove up to the checkpoint and told guards they wanted to go to the north. The British soldiers tried to dissuade them but could not stop them when they insisted on going, a bases spokesman said.

The guards manning the checkpoint are not authorised to stop people crossing to the Turkish-held areas.

Niakopoullos and Saiti were remanded by a "court" in the north the day after.

Greek Cypriot apprehended by Turks

Nicosia, Oct 13 1998 (CNA) -- A Greek Cypriot was apprehended in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus and was expected to appear today before an illegal "court" in the occupied areas.

The UN informed the Police today that Kyriakos Sotiriou, 32, from the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta and now a Larnaca resident, was apprehended last Saturday when he entered the occupied areas with his car, through Dhekelia in the British Sovereign Base Areas, according to a police announcement issued Tuesday.

Sotiriou is illegally detained by Turks in Famagusta, in the eastern coast.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

The illegal regime unilaterally declared in 1983 in the occupied areas is recognised only by Ankara.

Britain retains two military bases on the island since it granted Cyprus its freedom from colonial rule in 1960.

Turks jail Greek Cypriot

Cyprus Mail Saturday, October 17, 1998

A TURKISH Cypriot military 'court' yesterday sentenced Greek Cypriot Kyriakos Skirou to one month in jail for crossing into the occupied areas.

Skirou, 32, apparently drove into the occupied areas through the Dhekelia British Bases on Saturday October 10. Originally from Famagusta, he currently lives in Larnaca.

The 'court' said Skirou would be released immediately if he paid a fine of some 200 million Turkish lira ($716).

Turks hold Greek Cypriot

Cyprus Mail: Saturday, January 30, 1999

A GREEK CYPRIOT is being detained by Turkish forces after straying across the Green Line in Nicosia.

Unficyp said yesterday that the Turkish side has confirmed to them the arrest of a Greek Cypriot man on Wednesday night.

George Ioannou, 47, was arrested at around 11.45pm. He had apparently crossed into the occupied areas in Nicosia by mistake.

UN spokesperson Sarah Russell said that Cyprus police had informed Unficyp of Ioannou's arrest, and that the Turkish side had confirmed it was holding the man.

She said the UN had been given permission to visit Ioannou and give him a medical examination. The visit was due to take place later yesterday.

Turks hold second Greek Cypriot

By Martin Hellicar

Cyprus Mail: Tuesday, February 02, 1999

A SECOND Greek Cypriot was being held in the occupied areas yesterday, Unficyp spokesperson Sarah Russell confirmed.

Dinos Anastasiou was apprehended in the Morphou buffer zone area on Sunday and appeared before a 'court' in the north yesterday, Russell said. Georgios Ioannou, held after crossing into occupied Nicosia on Wednesday, is expected to reappear before a similar 'court' today.

Kakopetria villager Anastasiou, 50, disappeared around midday on Sunday while out collecting wild asparagus in the Morphou buffer zone area near Koutrafas village.

Russell said Anastasiou's car had been found by the UN in the buffer zone near Petra village, not far from Koutrafas; Unficyp had returned it to Cyprus police.

Russell said Unficyp had not yet managed to arrange to see Anastasiou.

"He is being held in Morphou and appeared before a Nicosia 'court' this morning," the spokesperson said.

She said the UN had not been informed of the 'court' decision but it was likely Anastasiou had been held for "illegal entry into a military area."

Russell said Unficyp had been told that Anastasiou had contacted his family in Kakopetria by phone since his arrest.

Ioannou, 47, appeared before a 'court' in occupied Nicosia on Thursday, the day after his arrest. He was charged with "illegal entry" and held over till today, Russell said.

The Engomi resident has been held in the north since Wednesday night, when he crossed the green line in Nicosia, apparently by accident.

"We saw Ioannou on Friday and he was okay," Russell said.

CyBC radio reported yesterday that Ioannou had been drunk when he crossed to the north on Wednesday.

Greek Cypriots - Freed

Nicosia, Feb 3 (CNA) -- Two Greek Cypriots, held by the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus, were released earlier today, Sarah Russell, UN Spokesperson, told CNA here today.

"Thanks to the cooperation between the UNFICYP police and the police on both sides, they were released," she said.

Dinos Anastasiou was abducted on Sunday lunchtime while he was picking up asparagus in fields in the UN buffer zone, according the Cypriot police.

George Ioannou was taken last Wednesday and was handed a remand order by a self-styled court in the northern part of the island occupied by some 35,000 Turkish troops since 1974.

Russell also said there was an exchange of cars, which for some reason, ended up on the wrong side of the divide.

"Four cars went north and six cars came south," she said.

She could not elaborate on the ownership of the cars or the circumstances under which they were found on either side of the divide.

Three Greeks released after mistakenly crossing into the occupied area

According to illegal Bayrak radio (15:30 hours, 22.4.99) three Greek citizens who mistakenly crossed into the occupied area, were released ``on bail'' by the ``military court''. They are Constantinos Kankazopoulos, Vasiliki Konsiya, and Maria Pantanofulou.

The ``military court judge'' said that it has become clear that the three crossed into the ``TRNC'' unwittingly and did not engage in any action that could threaten the security of the ``TRNC''. Taking into account that they have no previous convictions, the ``judge'' decided that the three sign a ``personal bond'' of 1 billion Turkish lira pledging not to commit the same ``crime'' for one year. Their car was returned to them.

UNIFICYP - Greek Cypriot man

Nicosia, Jul 23 1999 (CNA) -- A Greek Cypriot, who was abducted on Wednesday by the Turkish occupied forces, is said to be in good health.

Sarah Russel, spokeswoman of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus ( (UNFICYP) told CNA that Canadian citizen, Rogiros Georgiou, 48, was visited by "a UN civilian policeman" and is said to be "fine".

Georgiou appeared before an illegal court in the Turkish occupied north of the island and was ordered to remain in so called "custody" for three days. He will appear before the illegal court on Monday.

Russel said Georgiou told the UN civilian policeman that he would contact his family himself and refused to undergo a medical examination.

The Canadian High Commission was informed by UNFICYP about Georgiou's illegal apprehension.

Georgiou was abducted yesterday afternoon by Turkish occupied forces when he accidentally drove into the occupied areas from Piroi village, south-east of Nicosia.

According to the Turkish Cypriot press, Georgiou told the illegal court that he does not recognise so called "borders" in Cyprus, and that as a human being he is free to go wherever he wants.

He further said he intends to take the case before the European Court of Human Rights.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

The UN Security Council in resolutions, described the regime in the occupied north as "legally invalid". It is recognised only by Ankara.

Greek Cypriots - Turkish troops

Nicosia, Jul 26 1999 (CNA) -- A second Greek Cypriot man has been abducted in four days by the Turkish troops occupying illegally Cyprus' northern part since 1974.

He is Spyros Koushioumis, 22, from Dhali village. He was abducted Sunday by Turkish soldiers while driving his car near St. Nicolaos area of the British Bases, southeast of Nicosia.

Sarah Russell, spokeswoman of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP), told CNA that "we are trying to make contact" with Koushioumis.

Meanwhile, the other Greek Cypriot who was abducted on Wednesday by the Turkish forces, was expected to appear later today before an illegal court in the Turkish-occupied areas.

Rogiros Georgiou, 48, a Canadian citizen of Greek Cypriot origin, was on Friday ordered to remain in "custody" for three days.

Occupation forces - Greek Cypriot freed

Nicosia, Jul 30 (CNA) -- A 22 year old Greek Cypriot abducted on Sunday by the Turkish occupation forces was released today, UN Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) Spokeswoman, Sarah Russell told CNA.

Spyros Koushioumis, from Dhali village, was abducted by Turkish soldiers and was remanded in "custody" by an illegal court in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus.

Earlier Koushioumis was taken before an illegal military "court" which accepted he crossed by mistake into the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkish forces since they invaded the island in 1974.

UNFICYP soldiers took Koushioumis to the Ledra Palace check point in Nicosia where he was handed over to the Cypriot police.

The illegal regime unilaterally declared in the northern Turkish occupied part of the island is recognised only by Ankara. UN resolutions call on all states not to recognise or facilitate it in any way.

Canadian citizens - Protest - Abduction

Nicosia, Aug 1 (CNA) -- Canadian citizens living in Cyprus and Greek Cypriots repatriated from Canada are today protesting against Turkish occupation and the abduction and continuing detention of a Canadian citizen of Greek Cypriot origin by the Turkish occupation forces.

Rogiros Georgiou, 48, was abducted on 21 July.

The protest is taking place at the Ledra Palace check-point in the divided capital Nicosia.

Canadian Honourary Consul Eleni Chrysostomidou told CNA the Canadian High Commission in Damascus has reassured her that they "will try their best".

She said the High Commission "intended a meeting with (Turkish Cypriot leader) Rauf Denktash in order to draw his attention to the fact that Georgiou is a Canadian citizen".

Turkish troops illegally occupy 37 per cent of the Cyprus Republic's territory since they invaded the island in 1974.

UNFICYP - Greek Cypriot man - Illegal court

Nicosia, Aug 2 (CNA) -- A Greek Cypriot illegally held by the Turkish occupation regime for twelve days was ordered today to eight more days in "custody" by an illegal court in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island.

Speaking to CNA UN Peace-keeping force (UNFICYP) Spokeswoman, Sarah Russell, said, Rogiros Georgiou, 48, a Canadian citizen of Greek Cypriot origin was "remanded for eight more days".

Asked whether he appeared before an illegal military court, as the Turkish occupation regime had said last week, claiming Georgiou had trespassed in a military area, Russell said she had "very limited information".

She said UNFICYP would in the meantime "be ensuring that everything is done to ensure his welfare", adding, however that the Peace-keeping force's role "is simply humanitarian".

Georgiou was abducted by the Turkish occupation forces on July 21, when he accidentally drove into the occupied areas from Piroi village, south-east of Nicosia.

Greek Cypriot - UNFICYP - Canadian High Commission - Brother

Nicosia, Aug 3 1999 (CNA) -- A Greek Cypriot of Canadian origin, abducted by the Turkish regime in the occupied north of Cyprus last month, was in a good condition according to UNFICYP, although his brother who visited him today said he was systematically tortured by the occupation forces.

At the same time, the Canadian High Commission, based in Damascus, said it is doing everything possible under the circumstances to achieve 48- year-old Rogiros Georgiou's release.

United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) spokeswoman, Sarah Russell, told CNA the living conditions of Georgiou are "acceptable".

Noting that UNFICYP took Georgiou's brother Dafnis to visit him today, she said "the conditions in which he is being held are quite acceptable."

Russell explained that the reason why Georgiou is being illegally held for a further eight days by the occupation regime is because he did not accept the so called "charges" which were made yesterday, when he appeared before an illegal court.

The UNFICYP spokeswoman said Georgiou was "charged" with entering a "first degree military area" and violating the so called "borders" of the illegal regime on July 22.

He will appear again before an illegal court on August 10.

Asked about Georgiou's health, Russell said an UNFICYP doctor visited him today and that Georgiou is "okay".

She said if Georgiou asked "to see his own doctor, the Force would make all the arrangements for the visit", adding that it was difficult to organise the visit last Sunday when Georgiou's doctor had asked to visit him.

Georgiou was abducted by the Turkish occupation forces on July 21, when he accidentally drove into the occupied areas from Piroi village, south-east of Nicosia.

Meanwhile, his brother, Dafnis Georgiou told CNA that his brother is systematically beaten by the Turks.

"He was left without food, water or cigarettes on a number of occasions", Georgiou said.

Dafnis Georgiou added his brother is being tortured by the Turks so that he will reveal information about military positions in the free areas of the Republic and that the Turks suspect Rogiros Georgiou is a spy.

They also question his Canadian citizenship, claiming his documents are false and want him to sign a false statement and to recognise the illegal regime, Dafnis Georgiou said.

Asked about the condition of the cell where Rogiros is illegally detained, Dafnis told CNA his brother was moved to cell outside Turkish occupied Nicosia, which is better than the one he was held before where the 48-year-old slept on the floor.

Meanwhile, Canada's Honourary Consul, Eleni Chrysostomidou, told CNA that the Canadian High Commission in Damascus is showing "a very strong interest" in Georgiou's case and "is doing everything possible, under the circumstances, to achieve his speedy release and to end his illegal detention."

She said High Commissioner, Alexandra Bugailiskis, remains informed about the situation and is doing everything possible to help the Canadian citizen.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

The illegal regime set up by Rauf Denktash in November 1983, is recognised only by Ankara.

Foreign Ministry - UNFICYP - Greek Cypriot

Nicosia, Aug 4 (CNA) -- The Foreign Ministry today made representations to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) over complaints that Canadian national of Cypriot origin Rogiros Georgiou has been tortured by his Turkish captors in the Turkish occupied areas.

An official statement says Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides is personally following the case while Acting House President Nicos Anastasiades, who is replacing the President of the Republic, is being kept informed.

Georgiou, 48, was abducted last month when he accidentally entered the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974.

His brother Dafnis, who visited him yesterday with UNFICYP escort, has said Georgiou is being systematically beaten, tortured and on occasions was left without food and water.

The Foreign Ministry said it is monitoring with concern Georgiou's continuing illegal detention and today summoned UNFICYP senior advisor Peter Schmidtz and other officials to complain.

It has asked that Georgiou is examined by an UNFICYP doctor.

At the same time the Foreign Ministry has contacted the Canadian High Commission in Cyprus, based in Damascus, to make the necessary representations, and asked Cyprus' charge d' affaires in Ottawa to contact the Canadian government.

The statement says the ministry has also asked for "the good-offices of other diplomatic missions of friendly countries."

Rogiros Georgiou is scheduled to appear before an illegal court in the Turkish occupied areas on August 10.

The illegal regime in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus is recognised only by Ankara while numerous UN resolutions call on all states not to recognise or facilitate it in any way.

Greek-Cypriot released

According to illegal Bayrak radio 12:00 hours (13.8.99) Greek-Cypriot Rogiros Georgiou, who is of Canadian citizenship, has been set free by the so-called military court, after paying a fine of 2 million TL.

Greek Cypriot - Illegal "detention" - UNFICYP
Nicosia, Dec, 1 (CNA) -- An illegal "court" in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus ordered a two day "remand order" against a Greek Cypriot, illegally apprehended by the Turkish occupation forces.
Argyris Roussou, 65, from the Aglantza suburb of Nicosia was apprehended yesterday by the illegal Turkish authorities when he drove into the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus from the village of Lympia, south-east of the capital Nicosia.

Greek Cypriot - Turkish forces - Released

Nicosia, Dec 3 1999 (CNA) -- The Turkish occupation authorities released today a Greek Cypriot who was illegally apprehended last Tuesday by Turkish troops.

Argyris Roussou, 65, from Aglantzia suburb of Nicosia was abducted by the Turkish forces when he drove into the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus from the village of Lympia, south east of the capital Nicosia.

German national abducted - Occupied areas

Nicosia, Dec 13 1999 (CNA) -- The German Embassy is trying to secure the release of a German national, abducted on Saturday by the Turkish occupation troops in the eastern part of the island.

Beyer Klaus Herbert, 61, arrived in Cyprus with a tourist group when on Saturday, day of his birthday, he crossed into the Turkish occupied north from the Paralimni area under circumstances which are being investigated.

German tourist - Turkish occupied areas

Nicosia, Dec 23 1999 (CNA) -- A German tourist abducted nearly two weeks ago by the Turkish occupation troops will tomorrow appear before an illegal court in the occupied area for entering a "military area".

Beyer Klaus Herbert, 61, who accidentally crossed into the Turkish- occupied north from the Paralimni area was brought before an illegal court yesterday and was then, according to reports in the Turkish Cypriot press taken to the psychiatric ward of a hospital because of his behaviour in the "court".

Turks fine and release bus driver

By Martin Hellicar

Friday, December 31, 1999

A GREEK Cypriot bus driver detained by the Turks on Wednesday was yesterday fined '77 by a 'court' in the north and released to return to the government-controlled areas.

Unficyp spokesman Charles Gaulkin said 34-year-old Petros Vasili had been fined for "traffic offences" - driving in the north without occupation regime registration plates.

He returned via the Ledra palace checkpoint in Nicosia at about 3.30 pm yesterday, Gaulkin said.

Vasili had been detained by Turkish soldiers near the mixed buffer-zone village of Pyla, east of Larnaca, on Wednesday morning.

Cyprus police said he had been apprehended after going to the Pyla-Pergamos area to pick up Turkish Cypriot workers and bring them south for work. The UN suggested Vasili had been detained after losing his way in the occupied areas.

Speaking before Vasili's release yesterday, Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou described the detention as "illegal and unacceptable."

Sources suggested yesterday that Vasili had been detained after driving around near occupied Pergamos in search of men to work on a construction site in the government-controlled areas.

Gaulkin said Vasili, from Liopetri in the Famagusta area, had been examined by UN doctors and was fine. "He had no complaints," Gaulkin said.

The pick-up Vasili drove to the north in was still being held by the Turks yesterday. Gaulkin said efforts were being made to have it returned.

Tourists and locals captured after straying into the north have always been returned, usually after being fined for "illegal entry" by occupation regime courts.

Illegal court - Greek Cypriot

Nicosia, Jan 23 2000 (CNA) -- An illegal "court" in the Turkish occupied areas has detained a Greek Cypriot, who was abducted yesterday morning by Turkish troops at the Derynia checkpoint, near Famagusta.

Acting spokesman for the UN Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Charles Gaulkin, told CNA the illegal "court" remanded Panayiotis Anastasi Economou for three days and that an UNFICYP civil affairs unit would be visiting him tomorrow.

Greek Cypriot - Illegal court - Freed

Nicosia, Jan 26 2000 (CNA) - A Greek Cypriot who was abducted by the Turkish troops on Saturday at the Dherynia checkpoint near Famagusta, on the east, was freed today after paying a fine to an illegal "court" in Turkish occupied Cyprus.

Panagiotis Anastasi Economou, 39, appeared before an illegal "court" today which "ordered" him to pay 100 million Turkish Lira (about 220 US dollars), acting spokesman for the UN Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Charles Gaulkin told.

Turkish army - Greek Cypriots - Abduction

Nicosia, Aug 31 (CNA) -- The Turkish occupation troops have abducted two young Greek Cypriot men while traveling in their car at a disputed checkpoint, near the eastern British base of Dhekelia, in southeast Cyprus.

Cyprus police identified them as Stelios Taki Papadopoulos and Neofytos Michali Kadi, both aged 24, from Limassol.

Greek Cypriot youths "remanded" for 3 days

Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (10:30 hours, 31.8.00) reports that the two Greek Cypriot youths who had mistakenly crossed into the occupied area with a car in the Famagusta region, have been illegally arrested for three days.

Greek Cypriots - Turkish occupied areas - Release

Nicosia, Sep 1 2000 (CNA) - Two young Greek Cypriots, abducted by the Turkish occupation troops while travelling in their car at a disputed checkpoint, near the eastern British Base of Dhekelia in southeast Cyprus, were released today.

Stelios Taki Papadopoulos and Neofytos Michali Kadi, both aged 24, from Limassol, returned to the free areas of the Republic this afternoon, accompanied by UN peacekeepers and were met at the Ledra Palace checkpoint by their families.