Nicosia: Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with the local authorities and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force to restore Greek Cypriot farmers’ access to their land and prevent any violation of the status of the buffer zone in the community of Deneia, in the outskirts of Nicosia, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis told the Cyprus News Agency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the spokesperson emphasized the importance of restoring access to the land in accordance with the terms of UNFICYP’s mandate and the UN Security Council Resolutions. The government is closely monitoring the situation, highlighting the actions of the Turkish occupying forces as unacceptable and a challenge to the status of the buffer zone.
The spokesperson stated that the Turkish occupying army is attempting to create a faits accomplis within the buffer zone, violating international law and UN Security Council Resolutions. The Republic of Cyprus remains committed to acting with determination and full adherence to international law.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning, when a Turkish military vehicle entered the buffer zone and harassed a Greek Cypriot farmer who was cultivating his field. UNFICYP responded promptly to the area. After the Greek Cypriot farmer left, the Turkish army returned, prompting another intervention from the UN.
Both Turkish soldiers and UN peacekeepers eventually departed the buffer zone a short while later.