Newsroom
A Greek citizen of Cypriot origin was surprised to find her new Greek identity card listing her birthplace as the Turkish name Iskele rather than the official Cypriot name Trikomo, prompting a political complaint in Cyprus.
DISY MP Nikos Georgiou said he received the complaint and described the listing as “illegal.” He has written to Cyprus’ Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou, urging swift action to address the issue.
According to Georgiou, the Greek police platform used to issue ID cards automatically includes Turkish names for villages in the occupied areas of Cyprus. “It is self-evident that this is not intentional by the Greek authorities,” he said, noting that the error likely stems from database automation.
The MP also stressed that the prompt response from both the Greek authorities and the Greek Ambassador in Cyprus demonstrates a shared understanding of the sensitive issue.
While no further incidents have been reported, Georgiou’s letter underlines the political and symbolic sensitivity surrounding place names in the occupied areas of Cyprus.
