Pyla, Cyprus. Calm is prevailing in the buffer zone village of Pyla after earlier reports of tensions between the island’s two sides and the United Nations, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said on Wednesday. Unficyp said the reported Turkish tanks remained north of the northern ceasefire line.
Erhurman cites coordination and dialogue
Erhurman said that, according to information from security forces, calm prevails and communication and dialogue are continuing. He said this information was confirmed by a statement from the UN peacekeeping force, Unficyp.
He added that his office is in full coordination with authorities responsible for security in the field, and said his office will fulfil its duties regarding the process completely.
Claims of tanks in buffer zone dismissed
Erhurman referred to reports earlier in the day that Turkish tanks had entered the buffer zone, calling them erroneous. He said that despite efforts in statements from the south and in the media to escalate tensions with news and commentary not reflecting the truth, his side would not be a party to such an effort, and that problems would be resolved calmly, resolutely, and through dialogue and diplomacy.
Fears of heightened tensions arose after a line of Turkish tanks was spotted in the area.
Unficyp spokesman Aleem Siddique confirmed to the Cyprus Mail that the tanks were at all times located north of the northern ceasefire line and were not in the buffer zone. Siddique also said there are no military assets inside the buffer zone, and that reports a Turkish flag had been planted in the buffer zone did not correspond to reality, adding that the flag is located in the north.
British vehicles deployed as precaution
Pyla and nearby Pergamos’ proximity to the United Kingdom’s Dhekelia base also led to British vehicles being deployed to the area. British bases spokeswoman Korina Orphanides told the Cyprus Mail the vehicles were deployed only as a precaution and took no action.
Siddique said Unficyp remains vigilant and is working closely to maintain calm.
What do you think is needed to maintain calm in the Pyla area?
