The Turkish army continues to escalate tensions within the buffer zone, as the new UN envoy has been appointed for Cyprus.
Following incidents in Agios Dometios and Pyla, Turkish actions have been noted in the Deryneia area. The government has once again communicated its concerns to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
Yesterday, the Government Spokesperson clarified, in response to the Mayor of Deryneia’s statements, that Turkish activities in the region are outside the buffer zone.
Nevertheless, there is apprehension from the Greek Cypriot side, with relevant authorities closely monitoring the situation.
Sources indicate a clear intention on the Turkish side to create a scenario of tension, potentially leading to an active crisis on the ground, challenging the status of the buffer zone.
Allegedly, various Turkish moves were aimed at initiating discussions with the United Nations, a notion rejected by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, responsible for the demilitarized zone.
In response to a journalist’s comment that the occupying regime does not appear to be withdrawing from the buffer zone in Pyla and Agios Dometios, the Government Spokesperson reiterated, among other things, that “we expect the peacekeeping force to implement its mandate and ensure the restoration of the buffer zone’s status” as it was before.
Anticipating the visit of the Turkish President to Greece today, the Republic of Cyprus responded positively to the proposal of the UN Secretary-General for the appointment of an envoy to Cyprus.
“We hope for a similar positive response regarding the appointment of the personality from the other side as soon as possible,” said the Government Spokesperson, reaffirming “the sincere” political will of the Government and readiness to resume negotiations from where they were interrupted, aiming for a sustainable and definitive settlement of the Cyprus issue. “Our desire for a solution with a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality remains strong,” he added.
When asked about the duration of the envoy’s stay in Cyprus, Mr. Letymbiotis noted that what matters is the prompt appointment of the envoy to start contacts for the prospect of restarting negotiations.
Information from yesterday’s RIK broadcast suggested a six-month period.
“We hope there will be sincere political will, and this period will not be long, meaning that negotiations can resume as soon as possible,” said Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
The Turkish Cypriot side responded positively to the appointment of the UN envoy, according to statements by Tahsin Ertugruloglu.
“We responded positively to the issue of the envoy, with the precondition that common ground for a federation will not be sought. The appointment (of the envoy) will be for a period of 6 months. The position of the Turkish Cypriot side is to try to find common ground based on two states,” stated Ertugruloglu, speaking on an online broadcast of the website “Cyprus Postasi.”
