Foreign Ministry: GCA Trying to Gain Advantage, Raise Tensions in Buffer Zone

In a written statement, the ministry said that the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus was once again attempting to gain an advantage and escalate tensions in the buffer zone by exploiting agricultural activities in the area. It called on the UN Peacekeeping Force to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

The statement noted that the conditions under which farming could be carried out in the buffer zone had been determined in an agreement reached in 1988. It warned that necessary measures would be taken against the Greek Cypriot side’s provocative actions that undermine the status quo.

According to the ministry, three Greek Cypriot civilians crossed into TRNC territory while farming on the morning of 8 November. Security forces arrived at the scene, issued warnings by horn and whistle, and the farmers then retreated to the buffer zone. UN personnel also arrived shortly after, and the incident was resolved following talks that led to the farmers leaving the area.

“The areas where agricultural activity may take place within the buffer zone were clearly defined under the 1988 agreement between the UN Peacekeeping Force and our authorities,” the statement said. The purpose of that agreement, it added, was to ensure the use of the buffer zone for civilian purposes as much as possible and to prevent potential disputes between the sides.

“However, as we have seen before, the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus is once again deliberately using farming activities in the buffer zone to gain an advantage and raise tensions. This is unacceptable,” the statement continued.

The ministry called on the UN Peacekeeping Force “not to allow such arbitrary practices, to perform its duties effectively, and to comply with the 1988 agreement.”

It added that the TRNC would continue to act within the framework of the existing agreement and would take necessary measures against provocative actions by the Greek Cypriot side that disrupt the status quo. The ministry also urged the Greek Cypriot Administration “to abandon its policy of provocation and refrain from actions that could harm the atmosphere of peace on the island.”