EFFORTS were underway yesterday to secure the release of former finance minister Michalis Sarris, detained by Turkish Cypriots in the north in connection with sexual offences.

Government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said the government was working with the United Nations to secure his release.

The matter was also brought up during Friday’s meeting between President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, Stefanou said.

UN spokesman Michel Bonnardeaux said the force was in touch with the foreign ministry over the matter.

“I can confirm we are in contact with the foreign ministry,” Bonnardeaux said, but decline to provide any more information on how the matter was being handled.

It is a “delicate matter,” the UN spokesman said.

Sarris was remanded in custody for three days on Friday, along with a 17-year-old Turk – according to Turkish Cypriot reports – and the 29-year-old owner of the house, in which they were found.

Sources told the Cyprus Mail on Friday that police in the north raided the house without a warrant, arresting the three males in connection with the alleged crime of committing an “unnatural act.”

Reports said Sarris’ lawyer has rejected the charge, arguing that his client had merely paid €20 to be massaged by the 17-year-old.

Unless he is freed beforehand, Sarris is due back in court tomorrow. 

Sarris currently heads the Greek Cypriot negotiating team on economy in the Cyprus problem talks.

A prominent and highly regarded economist, he was finance minister between 2005 and 2008, successfully steering Cyprus into the eurozone.

He worked at the World Bank from 1975 until 2004, where he was promoted to the post of director.

Cyprus Mail