Disy leader Averof Neophytou on Monday said he would try and help the two children of a bicommunal couple get IDs since authorities have been refusing to issue the documents because they were born before their Turkish Cypriot father got his.

Neophytou said he would try and meet with the family, living in Liopetri, in the Famagusta district after a weekly show by Alpha TV called on President Nicos Anastasiades on Sunday to help so that the two children can get Cyprus IDs.

TV show 24 Hours that deals with social issues brought to the fore on Saturday evening the problems the family have in obtaining IDs for 12-year-old Christos and nine-year-old Theklia-Yasemina.

Both children were born in the government-controlled areas to a Greek Cypriot mother and a Turkish Cypriot father. The problem stems from the fact that their paternal grandfather is from Turkey.

Their mother, Sotiroula, is a Greek Cypriot while their father, Osman, was born in occupied Famagusta, to a Turkish Cypriot mother and a Turkish father. The couple got married around 15 years ago.

In an open letter, 24 Hours said that though the government gave Osman an ID in 2015, it does not do the same for the children because they were born before he acquired the Republic of Cyprus citizenship.

The children, born and raised in Liopetri, have birth certificates but they are not even covered by Gesy even though both their parents pay contributions.

They have never travelled outside the country and cannot participate in sports events or do many other things that require the presentation of an ID, the letter said.

“As a person with sensitivities towards children, we call on you to give an immediate solution concerning Christos and Theklia,” the letter tells Anastasiades.

It added that this was a clear violation of their rights and for that reason, the Children’s Rights Commissioner was also notified.

Asked on Monday about the matter, Neophytou said he would try and meet with the family to see how he could help.

“I understand the sensitive issues linked with the Cyprus problem, but human dignity and especially supporting two children is above any fear or hesitation,” Neophytou said.