The recent illegal detention and sentencing of five Greek Cypriots by the breakaway regime, accused of espionage, has reignited political tension in Cyprus and placed the island’s checkpoint policy under scrutiny. The incident has divided the Democratic Rally (DISY) while two parties push for immediate closure of the crossings to the north.

Yiannis Karousos, DISY Vice President and President of the Famagusta District Self-Government Organization, publicly demanded a reassessment of the checkpoint policy. He argued that the Republic of Cyprus cannot remain passive while its citizens are targeted by the occupying authorities.

Karousos stressed that the checkpoints, initially designed to promote communication and build trust, are now being weaponized by the Turkish side, calling for a clear institutional response.

In response to EDEK’s and ELAM’s public calls for immediate checkpoint closures, DISY issued an official statement condemning the idea as “dangerous and harmful.” While the announcement was formally directed at the parties, it also subtly “photographed” Karousos, signaling internal disagreement without naming him.

Moreover, the party warned that such a move would advance Turkey’s two-state agenda, trigger EU and UN backlash, and strengthen division rather than unity.

DISY urged the government to prioritize diplomatic efforts to free the detained citizens instead of taking unilateral actions that could backfire.

Averof Neofytou, former DISY President, went further, stating: “The checkpoints are not the problem – they are the bridge we must not destroy.”

He cautioned that closing them would reinforce partition, harm the island’s strategic interests, and potentially revive EU initiatives for direct trade and flights with the north, further isolating the Republic of Cyprus.

Meanwhile, two political parties have taken a hardline stance: EDEK, a Government supporting party, demands a temporary checkpoint shutdown until the detained citizens are released, insisting that only political and economic pressure can deter further Turkish provocations. 

In addition, far right ELAM, consistent with its long-standing position, calls for permanent closures, arguing that this would highlight the ongoing occupation and impose costs on the breakaway regime.