CYPRUS: Nicosia protests to UN over Turkish troops blocking farmers in bufferzone

Nicosia has protested to the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) over incidences in the bufferzone during which Greek Cypriot farmers were prevented by Turkish troops from cultivating their land.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Demetris Samuel told CNA that the government follows and evaluates the situation constantly.

Asked about the latest incidents that took place last week in the region of Dhenia village, Samuel said that the Foreign Ministry was informed about them from the very first moment they occurred.

He added that the Foreign Ministry made representations to UNFICYP over every single incident, requesting the immediate intervention of UN peacekeepers, with a view to restore the farmers’ rights to cultivate their plots and ensure their safety.

UNFICYP spokesperson, Aleem Siddique, told CNA that "activities that undermine the military status quo cannot be permitted" and "maintaining the military status quo and the safety of civilians in the bufferzone remains our most important priority".

According to Dhenia community leader Christakis Panayiotou, on several occasions Greek Cypriot farmers, who either own or lease land in the UN-controlled bufferzone, were asked to leave by armed Turkish soldiers when they entered their property to work.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.