How Should Washington Respond to Hostage Diplomacy in Cyprus?

 Στρατηγός Φρ. Φράγκος: No comments..

The flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on a mountain in Northern Cyprus, which Turkey occupies.Shutterstock

If the United States Holds Turkey Accountable, It Nips in the Bud Turkey’s Use of Detention as a Political Weapon

Two months ago, Turkish Cypriot authorities detained five Greek Cypriots who crossed into an the occupied north of Cyprus, reportedly to visit properties to which they held deeds, properties from which Turkish authorities dispossessed them in 1974. They charged the men with crimes ranging from illegal entry to espionage. The case remains unresolved and exposes questions both about authority in the occupied north and U.S. policy in the Eastern Mediterranean: Who exercises authority in the occupied north of Cyprus? Do these arrests amount to hostage diplomacy? How should Washington respond?

The five remain under restrictive conditions pending trial: required to pay financial “guarantees,” report weekly to the nearest police station, surrender their travel documents, and remain in the occupied north. While they are not behind bars, such restrictions show how the Turkish and occupation authorities seek leverage from the case.

Διαβάστε αναλυτικά το άρθρο στην ιστοσελίδα:meforum.gr