Nicosia: The National Guard is closely monitoring the situation following a recent increase in Turkish provocations in the buffer zone, with the safety of citizens being its primary concern, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Monday. Palmas made the remarks after visiting the Conscripts' Enlistment Support Centre, where he observed the process of submitting online applications for the enlistment of new conscripts.
According to Cyprus News Agency, when asked by reporters about the issue, Palmas affirmed that 'it is a fact that in recent days there has been an increase in provocations by the Turkish occupation forces.' He emphasized that the National Guard is committed to its duties and responsibilities, with citizen safety at the forefront, and is thus closely monitoring the evolving situation.
Regarding the political management of the issue, Palmas clarified that this responsibility lies with the Foreign Ministry. UNFICYP spokesperson Aleem Siddique told CNA last week that 'UN peacekeepers have stepped up patrols and maintain a visible presence on the ground, following the observation of unauthorized entry by Turkish Cypriot security personnel into the United Nations buffer zone.'
Cyprus has remained divided since the 1974 illegal Turkish invasion. Numerous peace talks under the UN aegis aimed at reuniting the island under a federal framework have failed to yield results. The latest round of talks occurred in the summer of 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana.