Europe Cyprus (Commonwealth Union) – Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement in response to the UN Security Council’s Press Statement on Pyla Buffer Zone Violation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledges and appreciates the Press Statement issued by the United Nations Security Council on August 21st, which reflects the swift and widespread international response to the breach of the status quo within the buffer zone in the Pyla region.
Recent actions undertaken by Turkish occupying forces have evidenced an alarming attempt to breach the buffer zone’s sanctity. The ill-advised endeavor involving road construction between the occupied village of Arsos and Pyla stands as a stark violation of the region’s established equilibrium. It is crucial to highlight that such actions are in direct contradiction to the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
Moreover, the Security Council has vehemently condemned the resort to threats and violence against UN peacekeepers, a transgression that constitutes a clear violation of international law. The Government and citizens of Cyprus firmly stand in solidarity with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), an assertion made resolute by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Acting in a coordinated manner, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned their prompt engagement of all available diplomatic channels, working closely with both Permanent and non-Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, the European Union, UNFICYP, and the Greek Government.
The international community’s resolute response serves as a decisive repudiation of the baseless assertions put forth by the Turkish Cypriot leadership and Turkey. This collective reaction sends an unequivocal message that such actions will not be endorsed or permitted.
Since the outset, the Government has demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding international law and responsibility. Consistently denouncing past violations within the buffer zone, which have regrettably escalated in frequency, the Government has emphatically underscored the imperative for UNFICYP to fulfill its mandated role without impediments, as directed by the United Nations Security Council as indicated in the statement.
The disturbing footage of attacks on UN peacekeepers Turkish Cypriotic bull dozers drew condemnation members of the Security Council.
