UN warns hunters against entering Cyprus buffer zone

Nicosia, Cyprus. The United Nations has warned hunters in Cyprus that hunting in the island’s buffer zone is strictly prohibited.

It said aggressive or endangering behaviour by hunters towards UN peacekeepers or civilians would be reported to local authorities for prompt and proper prosecution.

Related: Education ministry support programme staff end ten-day strike but warn action could resume

RelatedEducation ministry support programme staff end ten-day strike but warn action could resume

Hunting season warning

The warning was issued as the hunting season is underway.

In July, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said unauthorised hunting, particularly involving firearms in the buffer zone, had continued to occur frequently despite repeated protests by the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus to the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot concerns

The Turkish Cypriot ‘foreign ministry’ said last December that the “Greek Cypriot administration in southern Cyprus” was systematically attempting to extend its “authority” into the buffer zone, seize land there and gain an advantage in the area.

It said this was being done through methods including farming, hunting, unauthorised road construction across land owned by Turkish Cypriots, and the construction of universities, cinemas and shopping malls.