The status of the buffer zone in Pyla area has been restored as it was before the incident that took place in August, government sources have told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). The sources said that according to information received on Friday morning, the occupation authorities have withdrawn from the buffer zone. The beginning of the process for the implementation of the understanding that has been reached on the issue, that was announced on October 9 by the UNSG’s Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, has been scheduled for October 23. Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis has assured in a statement that the Cyprus government will work with sincere political will to implement the provisions of the understanding, which, he has said, includes provisions that address the concerns of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the status of the buffer zone, which is being safeguarded, and restore order in the specific area of the buffer zone. Letymbiotis has also noted that the provisions provide for the urban and residential development of the area, as desired by the residents, for the benefit of all the residents of Pyla, Greek Cypriots, and Turkish Cypriots, and create conditions for peaceful and creative coexistence of the residents at a time when the resumption of talks towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem is sought. In August 2023, the Turkish Cypriot side unilaterally announced its intention to build the road through the buffer zone between the villages of Pyla and occupied Arsos. Turkish Cypriots and settlers entered the buffer zone and attacked personnel and vehicles of UNFICYP. A peacekeeper was punched in the face. The international community, including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, condemned the attack. Later on, discussions began aiming at resolving the issue. 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.
Source: Cyprus News Agency