Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said he was satisfied with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp)’ intervention in Pyla this week, saying it had taken measures to prevent further provocations.
Palmas’ comments on Unficyp and the buffer zone
Speaking on CyBC radio, Palmas praised Unficyp’s reaction to the incident and said a “firm and consistent stance” was needed to ensure order in the buffer zone, which he described as a “prerequisite” towards a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Response to Erdogan and foreign forces
Responding to comments by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said the presence of foreign forces in the region should not be permanent, Palmas pointed to the presence of Turkish troops in the north and said Erdogan “cannot raise the issue of permanence” as long as this is the case.
Cyprus military cooperation
Palmas said Cyprus has the right to develop military cooperation with other states, whether in the context of exercises or for reasons of regional presence and security.
Pyla incident and UN response
Palmas’ comments came days after a line of Turkish tanks was spotted in the north close to the buffer zone village of Pyla near the British Dhekelia base, prompting an intervention by the peacekeeping forces.
The UN responded by deploying vehicles as a precaution but did not take further action, saying the tanks were located “north of the northern ceasefire line” at all times.
The incident was later reported to the United Nations security council.
What do you think the buffer zone requires to maintain order and reduce tensions?
