Nicosia: United Nations officials in Cyprus met with local farmers in the buffer zone in Deneia on Wednesday to discuss safety and security concerns as seasonal agricultural activities begin.

According to Cyprus News Agency, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus and UNFICYP Head of Mission Khassim Diagne, leading a multidisciplinary UNFICYP team, met with Deneia Community Council President Charalambos Alexandrou and local farmers to discuss challenges related to access to agricultural land and farming operations in the buffer zone.

"The meeting provided an opportunity for an open and constructive exchange on the challenges and concerns faced by farmers as they commence seasonal agricultural activities. Participants discussed practical measures aimed at ensuring safe access to agricultural land and supporting farming operations within the buffer zone," the UN said.

As it is noted, "Diagne reaffirmed UNFICYP's commitment to maintaining stability and facilitating conditions that enable communities to carry out their daily activities safely and securely. He welcomed the continued cooperation between UNFICYP and local stakeholders and emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing issues of mutual concern," according to the post on X.

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.