North-South Tensions on The Rise

North Cyprus News - Derinya - Border Crossing
[Derinya – Border Checkpoint]
After the Turkish Cypriot side has refused to restart negotiations unless the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots is recognised, tensions have escalated due to a series of provocative actions, Yeniduzen reports.
One recent incident involves the mayor of Paralimni-Derinya in southern Cyprus, Yiorgos Nikolettos, and the deputy mayor, Nikos Lillis. Both officials were blacklisted by authorities in North Cyprus after crossing the border to visit a group of displaced people from Derinya, who had been forced to leave their homes after the war in 1974. Following their visit, Nikolettos and Lillis attempted to re-enter the north on August 31st, but were denied entry. Lillis was reportedly arrested and later released, although the police in the north did not confirm his arrest.

These actions are being viewed as retaliation by the Turkish Cypriot side for the recent arrests in southern Cyprus of individuals involved in real estate transactions concerning properties in the north. Southern media reports that the blacklist and the refusal of entry were linked to accusations of espionage, although these claims remain unverified by northern authorities.

Meanwhile, another case has added to the growing tension between the two sides. Shimon Aykut, a Jewish Turkish-Israeli businessman and the owner of Afik Group, has been in detention in southern Cyprus since June 10th. Aykut was reportedly attacked in prison by an ISIS militant, who attempted to stab him with a sharpened phone card. According to his lawyer, other inmates intervened, saving Aykut from serious harm. Despite this close call, Aykut’s family remains concerned for his safety while he waits for formal charges to be brought against him.

The incidents involving Nikolettos and Lillis have sparked outrage in southern Cyprus, with government officials and the United Nations being informed, and diplomatic measures being pursued to resolve the matter.

Yeniduzen

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