Nicosia: '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,' UNFICYP spokesperson, Aleem Siddique, says, responding to a CNA question in regards to the latest developments in the buffer zone in Pyla.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Siddique emphasizes that "there have been no clashes as some media are reporting. All is calm." He further notes that 'UNFICYP is actively engaging with all relevant parties to restore the status quo ante and prevent actions that could adversely affect calm and stability in the area' and adds that 'maintaining calm and stability across the buffer zone remains UNFICYP's highest priority.'
In his statement, Siddique also highlights that 'the situation on the Pyla plateau is calm this morning. UNFICYP peacekeepers are present in the area and monitoring the situation.' He asserts that 'UNFICYP reiterates that unauthorized entry, presence, or activity within the buffer zone constitutes a violation of the Mission's mandate,' and underscores that 'respect for the Mission's mandate is essential to maintaining stability in this sensitive area.'
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 illegal Turkish invasion. Numerous peace talks under UN aegis aimed at reuniting the island under a federal roof have failed to yield results. The latest round of talks took place in the summer of 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana.
In August 2023, Turkish Cypriots punched and kicked a group of international peacekeepers who obstructed crews illegally working on a road that would encroach on a UN-controlled buffer zone in the area of Pyla, in the Larnaca district. A series of similar violations have occurred since. The international community, including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, condemned the attack.