Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said the National Guard is closely monitoring the situation in and around the buffer zone following concerns of heightened tensions near the village of Pyla.
Defence minister cites escalation and monitoring
Palmas said that in recent days there has been an escalation of provocations by Turkish occupation troops. He said the National Guard, within the framework of its duties and responsibilities, including people’s safety, is closely monitoring the situation. He added that political initiatives regarding the matter are being taken by the foreign ministry.
Reports of tanks and UN confirmation
Concerns arose last week after a line of Turkish tanks was spotted in the Pyla area. Unficyp spokesman Aleem Siddique told the Cyprus Mail that the tanks were at all times located north of the northern ceasefire line and were therefore not in the buffer zone, later confirming they had departed.
UK base proximity and precautionary deployment
Given the proximity of Pyla and nearby Pergamos to the United Kingdom’s Dhekelia base, British vehicles also 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, indicating the tanks were located outside the base.
Unficyp: no military assets in buffer zone, flag report denied
Siddique also said there are no military assets inside the buffer zone. He said reports that a Turkish flag had been planted in the buffer zone did not correspond to reality, adding that the flag is located in the north.
Kibris Postasi cites sources on reasons for deployment
News website Kibris Postasi quoted military sources as saying the tanks were deployed because Greek Cypriot authorities attempted to facilitate illegal crossings, possibly of veterinarians, into the buffer zone near Pyla, citing an outbreak of foot and mouth disease on the Greek Cypriot side. The sources said measures were taken to bolster the Turkish Cypriot security presence in the area.
What further steps do you expect authorities to take to prevent tensions near Pyla?
