Nicosia, Cyprus. The situation in the UN-controlled buffer zone near the bicommunal village of Pyla remains tense, with increased peacekeeping presence and continued monitoring by authorities on the ground.
Peacekeeping and police presence along the Green Line
According to information, vehicles belonging to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) remain stationed along the Green Line in the area. Vehicles linked to the Turkish Cypriot police are also reported to be present.
In an effort to prevent further escalation, the UN has reinforced its presence, a move that had been signalled in recent days. Well-informed sources said a UN vehicle is positioned near a specific location where enclosures belonging to Turkish Cypriots are situated. On Wednesday morning, a vehicle associated with the Turkish Cypriot police was also observed parked in close proximity.
Republic of Cyprus monitoring and UN statements
The Republic of Cyprus’ foreign ministry has taken charge of handling the situation and is closely monitoring developments on the ground, CNA reported, while taking all necessary diplomatic steps.
Unficyp spokesperson Siddique Aleem told the Cyprus Mail that “we remain vigilant and are working closely to maintain calm.” He added that “there are no military assets inside the buffer zone, just sports utility vehicles.”
On the issue of a Turkish flag, Aleem said “there is no Turkish flag inside the buffer zone – the Turkish flag is on the so called territory of the TRNC.”
According to an Unficyp post on ‘X’, “Unficyp is patrolling the area and continuing to monitor the situation closely.” The post added that “the Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of Unficyp, Khassim Diagne urges calm and restraint in Pyla respecting Unficyp mandate.”
Farmers report impact on veterinary work
Concerns have also been raised by livestock farmers in the area, who say the ongoing tensions are affecting essential veterinary work.
The president of the Pancyprian Association of Cattle Breeders Demetris Epaminondas said that during preparations for a second round of foot and mouth vaccinations, farmers managing nine cattle and sheep units advised the veterinary services not to proceed.
How are the ongoing tensions affecting daily activities in your area?