MVP

Tag: buffer zone

  • Buffer zone — Avlona Community Leader Reports Buffer Zone Breach by Turkish Farmers

    Buffer zone — Avlona Community Leader Reports Buffer Zone Breach by Turkish Farmers

    The buffer zone in Cyprus has once again been violated, as reported by Menelaos Savva, the community leader of Avlona village. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when Savva observed Turkish farmers entering the area around 10.30am.

    While en route to his agricultural land, Savva spotted the farmers operating within the buffer zone, an act that contradicts the agreements established by the United Nations. The Turkish farmers do not possess the necessary permits to enter the area, as they do not own any fields there.

    “These violations happen repeatedly,” Savva noted, highlighting a concerning trend in the region. The fields in question belong to a Greek Cypriot resident of Avlona, a person whom Savva knows personally. This connection adds a layer of urgency to his concerns.

    What raises alarm further is the type of crops being planted by these farmers. According to Savva, they have moved beyond seasonal crops to also include permanent crops, such as citrus fruits, which signifies a more entrenched violation of the buffer zone.

    Following the observed breach, Savva promptly alerted both the Cyprus foreign ministry and the United Nations. In response, two personnel from the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) arrived at the scene to investigate. They requested to see Savva’s identification and his permit for entering the buffer zone.

    After verifying his credentials, the Unficyp personnel escorted him back to his vehicle, ensuring that he did not remain in the vicinity of the illegal activity. The village of Avlona, located in the Nicosia district, has a significant portion within territory controlled de facto by the north, while another part is situated in the buffer zone.

  • Deneia — Turkish Military Vehicle Blocks Greek Cypriot Farmers in Deneia

    Deneia — Turkish Military Vehicle Blocks Greek Cypriot Farmers in Deneia

    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

    • 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.
    • The Ministry of Defence is also monitoring the situation closely, indicating the importance of this issue to both local authorities and the international community.

    The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. local time when Greek Cypriot farmers attempted to cultivate their fields within the buffer zone. Reports indicate that a military vehicle from the Turkish forces arrived and ordered the farmers to leave the area.

    United Nations peacekeepers (UNFICYP) quickly responded to the scene to help defuse the situation. Following initial tensions, both the farmers and the Turkish vehicle retreated momentarily, but the military vehicle returned shortly after. Eventually, UNFICYP members arrived again, and both the Turkish soldiers and peacekeepers departed the buffer zone after some time.

    This incident follows a similar occurrence just four days prior, heightening concerns over the ongoing tensions in the region. Constantinos Letymbiotis, the Government Spokesperson, expressed the government’s serious concern regarding the Turkish military’s actions, describing them as attempts to “dispute the status of the buffer zone” and create new facts on the ground, which he asserted violates international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

    Letymbiotis affirmed that the Republic of Cyprus would respond with “calmness, determination, and full commitment to international law.” In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is actively working with UNFICYP to restore access for the farmers. MFA Spokesperson Theodoros Gotsis stated that the ministry is in contact with local authorities and is making necessary representations to the UN force to ensure farmers can return to their land in line with UNFICYP’s mandate and Security Council resolutions.

    The Ministry of Defence is also monitoring the situation closely, indicating the importance of this issue to both local authorities and the international community.

  • Greek Cypriot Man Flees After Unintentional Crossing into Occupied Territory

    Greek Cypriot Man Flees After Unintentional Crossing into Occupied Territory

    A 32-year-old Greek Cypriot man fled on foot after accidentally crossing the buffer zone into the occupied areas with his vehicle early Thursday morning.

    • A 32-year-old Greek Cypriot man fled on foot after accidentally crossing the buffer zone into the occupied areas with his vehicle early Thursday morning.
    • In his statement, he explained that he was travelling in the opposite direction when he made the unexpected diversion onto the unpaved road, indicating unfamiliarity with the area's boundaries.

    The incident took place at around 04:00 on a road leading to Strovolia, according to reports from the British Bases. The driver, a resident of the Nicosia district, was attempting to relieve himself when he inadvertently entered the occupied territory.

    The man later recounted to Dhekelia Base police that he had turned onto a dirt road, unaware that he had crossed into the occupied zone. His realisation came only when he noticed lights from what he recognised as an occupation forces checkpoint. Alarmed, he abandoned his vehicle and sprinted back towards government-controlled areas.

    In his statement, he explained that he was travelling in the opposite direction when he made the unexpected diversion onto the unpaved road, indicating unfamiliarity with the area’s boundaries.

    British Base police confirmed they received the report and have initiated standard procedures typical for such incidents. The man’s vehicle remains in the occupied territory following his hasty departure.

    Authorities at Dhekelia Base are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this accidental crossing. The Republic of Cyprus authorities have been notified, and they will assist in efforts to facilitate the vehicle’s return to its owner. This process typically involves diplomatic channels and administrative procedures between the two sides.