Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, currently present on the island, paid a visit to Pyla on Thursday.
UNFICYP shared on pX that Lacroix toured Pyla, where he received briefings from peacekeepers from the military, UN police, and civilian components. They provided updates on the prevailing situation in the region and discussed potential future actions.
Tensions in Pyla escalated in August 2023 when the Turkish Cypriot started constructing a road through the buffer zone between Pyla and the occupied Arsos. This resulted in personnel from the Turkish Cypriot side entering the buffer zone, culminating in an attack on peacekeepers.
Since then, an agreement has been tentatively reached for Pyla, indicating the creation of a unified urban development zone.
The plan aims to facilitate the peaceful coexistence of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in the area. The development includes provisions for a sizable residential zone, the construction of a road leading to Troulloi village, the establishment of photovoltaic parks, and the expansion of the village’s urban area.
This morning, @UNPeacekeeping USG @Lacroix_UN visited the Pyla/Pile plateau in #Cyprus. #UNFICYP #peacekeepers from military, @UNPOL and civilian components briefed him on current developments in the area and on the way forward. ⏩ #A4P #PK75 pic.twitter.com/PuQQGcy3fl
— UN Cyprus (@UN_CYPRUS) November 2, 2023
