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2 Israelis detained in Turkish Cyprus
19-year-old soldier on leave, 20-year-old arrested in Turkish Cyprus after entering restricted military zone
Roee Nahmias
Two Israelis, a 19-year-old soldier on leave and a 20-year-old, were arrested in Turkish Cyprus after entering a restricted military zone, Ynet learned Thursday.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed that the two were detained in north Cyprus a few days ago and are currently incarcerated. Israeli officials were unable to visit the two as Israel does not maintain diplomatic relations with Turkish Cyprus.
As a result, the Foreign Ministry turned to U.N. forces stationed in Turkish Cyprus and requested that a representative check up on the Israelis’ condition; the U.N. force complied and a representative said the two were in good condition.
Constant flow of tourists
The two claim they had entered the closed military zone by mistake. Israeli officials estimate that the two will be brought before a judge in the coming days. It is possible that the judge will decide to put an end to the affair by simply expelling the two.
Turkish Cyprus attracts a constant flow of tourists due to its casinos.
“Israelis who visit countries that we have no diplomatic relations with should be aware that if things go wrong they do not have consular protection at their disposal,” a Foreign Ministry official told Ynet.
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