deneia buffer — deneia buffer — A Turkish military vehicle entered the United Nations buffer zone near the village of Deneia on Saturday morning to block Greek Cypriot farmers from working their land, leading to a brief standoff.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
- This event follows a similar occurrence that took place just four days earlier, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
- Letymbiotis reaffirmed that the Republic of Cyprus will maintain a stance of calmness, determination, and adherence to international law in addressing the situation.
- Additionally, the Ministry of Defence is aware of the incident and is closely monitoring developments in the region.
The incident took place around 10:00 a.m. local time as Greek Cypriot farmers attempted to cultivate their fields within the buffer zone. Reports indicate that a vehicle belonging to Turkish forces arrived and ordered the farmers to leave, resulting in heightened tensions in the area.
United Nations peacekeepers, known as UNFICYP, quickly responded to the scene in an effort to de-escalate the situation. Following initial withdrawals from both the farmers and Turkish soldiers, the Turkish vehicle returned briefly before UNFICYP members also reappeared. Eventually, both the Turkish military personnel and the peacekeepers vacated the buffer zone after a period of time.
This event follows a similar occurrence that took place just four days earlier, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
Constantinos Letymbiotis, the Government Spokesperson, commented on the situation, expressing that the government is treating the matter with the necessary seriousness. He asserted that the Turkish occupation army is “disputing the status of the buffer zone with unacceptable actions” and is “once again attempting to create new faits accomplis within it,” which he stated is a violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
Letymbiotis reaffirmed that the Republic of Cyprus will maintain a stance of calmness, determination, and adherence to international law in addressing the situation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working with UNFICYP to restore access for the farmers. MFA Spokesperson Theodoros Gotsis mentioned that they are in contact with community authorities and are making the appropriate representations to the UN force to ensure that the farmers regain access to their land “in accordance with the terms of the UNFICYP mandate and the Security Council Resolutions.”
Additionally, the Ministry of Defence is aware of the incident and is closely monitoring developments in the region.
