92001E0483

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0483/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(21 February 2001)

Subject: Illegal detention of a Greek Cypriot by the Turkish Cypriot authorities

On 13 December 2000, a group of Turkish Cypriots kidnapped Mr Panikos Tsiakourmas whilst he was on British military base property and removed him by force to the territory occupied by Turkey, where they abandoned him, leaving with him one-and-a-half kilos of Indian cannabis. Within moments Turkish Cypriot police officers' appeared and arrested him for possession of drugs.

Since then, Mr Panikos Tsiakourmas has been held by the illegal Turkish Cypriot authorities under inhuman conditions and without medical care despite the fact that he suffers from diabetes.

Given that Mr Tsiakourmas has no criminal record and, according to a statement by the police authorities on the British bases there is not a shred of evidence to suggest that he is involved with drugs it is clear that his kidnapping was an act of terrorism and his imprisonment by the illegal Turkish Cypriot authorities amounts to hostage taking.

What action will the Commission take with a view to securing the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Tsiakourmas? What pressure will it bring to bear on Turkey which is solely responsible for actions by the illegal occupying authorities in Cyprus performed entirely on its orders?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(27 March 2001)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P-0045/01 by Mr Zacharakis(1).

(1) See p. 168.