**MEP Calls for International Criminal Court to Intervene on Cyprus Problem**
Costas Mavrides, a member of the European Parliament from the Democratic Party (Diko), has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take action regarding the ongoing Cyprus issue. During a plenary session in Strasbourg, Mavrides accused Turkey of committing "war crimes and crimes against humanity" on the island, emphasizing that these actions have persisted on European Union territory for years.
Mavrides articulated his concerns by highlighting two specific allegations: the "illegal settlement through the transfer of population from Turkey" and the "organised usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus." He asserted that these actions constitute clear violations of international law and warrant the ICC's attention.
"The International Criminal Court deals with war crimes and crimes against humanity. Two such crimes have been taking place for years on European Union territory," Mavrides stated. He underscored the importance of upholding the court's jurisdiction, calling it a "paramount obligation for the European Union." As part of his advocacy, he has submitted a detailed document to the ICC requesting that those responsible for these alleged crimes be indicted.
Mavrides expressed frustration over the lack of action from the ICC since 2014, when he was among those who filed a complaint against Turkey. This complaint accused Turkey of "directly and indirectly transferring civilian population of an occupying power into occupied territory." The case was partially drafted with assistance from the Tel Aviv-based Shurat HaDin Israel Law Centre.
The MEP asserted that there is "self-evident proof" of the alleged crimes, citing population changes in the occupied territories and the organized usurpation of properties as indicators of criminal activity. He warned that if the ICC fails to act in response to what he describes as clear-cut crimes, the court's impartiality could be called into question.
Concerns regarding population dynamics in the Turkish Cypriot-administered areas have been echoed by various figures across Cyprus. For instance, Murat Senkul, the mayor of Kyrenia, recently estimated that the town's population could be between 150,000 and 160,000, significantly higher than official figures. He attributed this increase to an influx of individuals from Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who are drawn to the region for economic opportunities, believing it to be part of the European Union.
Despite the Turkish Cypriot statistics institute reporting a population of 489,308 living under its jurisdiction, mobile communications data suggests that the actual number may be much higher. As of September of the previous year, there were over 1.1 million mobile subscribers in the Turkish Cypriot areas, indicating a mobile penetration rate of 276 percent, which, if accurate, would make it one of the highest in the world.
The ongoing debate surrounding population transfers and property rights in Cyprus continues to be a contentious issue, with differing perspectives from both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. As discussions unfold, Mavrides' call for ICC intervention adds a new dimension to the dialogue surrounding the Cyprus problem, highlighting the complexities of international law and human rights in the context of long-standing geopolitical disputes.
The situation in Cyprus remains delicate, and the implications of Mavrides' appeal to the ICC could resonate beyond the island, potentially influencing EU-Turkey relations and broader discussions on human rights and international law. As stakeholders continue to navigate these challenges, the call for accountability and justice in Cyprus remains a focal point for many.