The presence of the UNFICYP peacekeeping force across the island remains unchanged, the UN spokesperson in Cyprus, Aleem Siddique, told CNA on Monday.
Siddique, asked by CNA to comment on reports that a temporary ban was imposed on peacekeepers for welfare activities in the northern, Turkish occupied part of Cyprus following an incident in Glapsides beach in occupied Famagusta in which UNFICYP members are allegedly involved, said: “This is a precautionary measure, to temporarily ban our peacekeepers from welfare activities in the northern part of the island while the investigation is being completed.”
The presence of the UNFICYP across the island remains the same, he stressed.
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 United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), comprising military and civilian personnel from various contributing countries, arrived in Cyprus in March 1964 after intercommunal fighting broke out. The mandate of the force is renewed every six months by the Security Council.
Source: Cyprus News Agency