The United Nations has increased its presence in a sensitive area of Cyprus following a reported unauthorised entry into the buffer zone.
Speaking to journalists in New York, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) had reinforced its presence in the Pyla plateau after identifying the "unauthorised entry of Turkish Cypriot security personnel" into the UN-controlled buffer zone. He said "peacekeepers have increased patrols and maintain a visible presence on the ground", while closely monitoring developments.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 and remains split between the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state that controls the southern part of the island, and the Turkish Cypriot-administered north, recognised only by Turkey. A UN-patrolled buffer zone, often referred to as the "Green Line", runs across the island, separating the two sides.
According to Dujarric, UNFICYP "reiterates that any unauthorised entry, presence or activity within the buffer zone constitutes a violation of its mandate". He added that "respect for the Mission's mandate is essential for maintaining stability in this particularly sensitive area".
He also said the peacekeeping force "is in active communication with all parties involved" with the aim of "restoring the status quo ante" and preventing actions that could adversely affect the situation on the ground. Maintaining calm and stability across the entire length of the buffer zone "remains the highest priority of peacekeeping operations", he noted.
The Pyla area, where the latest development occurred, is one of the few locations on the island where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots live in proximity to each other within or near the buffer zone, making it particularly sensitive to on-the-ground changes.
