The situation in Pyla remains calm despite recent press reports indicating tension in the area, UN sources told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Monday.
Earlier, Simos Mitides, the head of the Pyla community council, said crews were advised to halt ongoing construction temporarily, due to an alleged verbal altercation this morning between peacekeeping forces and the self-declared Turkish Cypriot authorities.
Pyla’s community leader told CNA that work proceeded as usual until midday, but crews were instructed by local authorities to pause temporarily due to disagreement from some Turkish Cypriot landowners who believe their plots are affected.
Mitides expressed optimism, believing that the issue could be resolved by today or tomorrow.
He stressed that the land division is handled by the Larnaca District administration in an official capacity.
Moreover, UN sources told CNA that the situation in Pyla is calm, confirming UN peacekeepers are actively patrolling and monitoring the area. They stressed that no unauthorised actions are being taken, adhering to the agreed terms.
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yenidüzen wrote on Monday that tensions arose due to complaints about real estate projects encroaching upon land allegedly reportedly belonging to the Turkish Cypriot side. This issue centres on whether the construction is encroaching upon a military zone occupied by Turkish forces.
In August 2023, the Turkish Cypriot side unilaterally announced its intention to start building a road through the buffer zone between the villages of Pyla and occupied Arsos. A scuffle with members of UNFICYP ensued, during which peacekeepers were injured.
The international community, including five permanent members of the UN Security Council, condemned the attack. Later on, discussions began aiming at resolving the issue.
According to an understanding that has been reached for Pyla, a single urban development area will be created, which will ensure the harmonious coexistence of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in the area of Pyla and, will include, among other things, a large area of residential development, the paving of a road leading towards Troulloi village, the creation of photovoltaic parks and the expansion of the urban use area of the village.
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