Nicosia: The new provocation by the occupying army in the buffer zone in Deneia village undermines the good climate and peace on the island, said Defence Minister, Vasilis Palmas, calling on the UN to take a stand and clarify the issues surrounding these provocations.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Palmas emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We cannot play with fire,” in response to the incident in Deneia. His remarks followed the memorial service for the heroes of the Neo Chorio community in Paphos. Palmas stressed that the Republic of Cyprus “can no longer tolerate such approaches and views.”
He mentioned that political steps have already been taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to this behavior. Palmas expressed his belief that “the UN will take a stand instead of maintaining equal distance on issues concerning such dangerous situations.”
Palmas further noted, “The only way to ensure that there will be no such provocative and dangerous situations from the occupying forces in the future is for the United Nations to enforce the principles and values of the UN Charter.”
When asked about the intentions behind these provocations, Palmas suggested that attempts by the occupying army to expand into the Buffer Zone occur periodically, even if they remain out of public view. He affirmed, “We are a peaceful and democratic state,” while emphasizing the Republic of Cyprus’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
‘This is a self-evident obligation of the Republic of Cyprus,’ concluded Vasilis Palmas. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.