Nicosia: The government has expressed its condemnation of the serious violations by the occupation regime in the UN-controlled buffer zone in the Pyla area. It is maintaining constant communication with the United Nations peacekeeping force and making all necessary representations both in Cyprus and New York to prevent further maneuvers by the occupying forces. This was stated by Victoras Papadopoulos, Director of the President's Press Office, when asked about an UNFICYP announcement regarding the 'unauthorized entry of Turkish Cypriot security personnel' into the buffer zone.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Papadopoulos emphasized that these actions certainly undermine efforts to resume dialogue on the Cyprus issue. This concern will be addressed in the next meeting between the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhrman. The government has expressed 'deep concern and disappointment' regarding the 'escalating stance of the occupation forces within the buffer zone at a critical geopolitical juncture,' noting that these actions violate Security Council resolutions, increase tensions, and hinder efforts by the UN Secretary-General to resume talks and build trust.
Meanwhile, CNA has learned that UNFICYP peacekeepers are currently present in Pyla, having enhanced their patrols in the area. St©phane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated in New York that UNFICYP has reinforced its presence in the Pyla plateau area following the 'unauthorized entry by Turkish Cypriot security personnel' into the UN buffer zone. He emphasized that "any unauthorized entry, presence or activity within the buffer zone constitutes a violation of the Mission's mandate."
The UN Spokesperson reiterated that respect for the Mission's mandate is critical to maintaining stability in this sensitive area. The peacekeeping mission is actively engaging with all relevant parties to 'restore the status quo ante' and prevent actions that could adversely affect conditions on the ground. Maintaining calm and stability across the buffer zone remains UNFICYP's highest priority.
UNFICYP, comprising over 800 military personnel from about seven troop-contributing countries, arrived in Cyprus in March 1964 after inter-communal fighting broke out. The Security Council renews the mandate of the force annually. UNFICYP's mandate is to contribute to the restoration of normal conditions and facilitate an increasingly wide range of civilian activities.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have yet to yield results, with the latest negotiations in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ending inconclusively.