The Cypriot government is reportedly displeased with the United Nations’ handling of migrants stranded in the buffer zone, according to sources.
This has prompted several questions from Nicosia regarding both the timing and intentions behind the incident, particularly as it coincides with an upcoming UN report.
Diplomatic circles have highlighted the following queries:
- How did the migrants reach that location and pass through areas controlled by the occupying army in separate groups? The actions of UNFICYP contrast with their response to Greek Cypriot farmers entering the buffer zone.
- Were UNFICYP prepared for this incident, as there were ready-made tents at the site, suggesting they may have had prior knowledge?
- Why did this occur just a week before the elections, potentially influencing Cyprus’s internal affairs?
These moves by UNFICYP, set against upcoming UN actions on the Cyprus issue, have strained relations between Nicosia and UNFICYP chief Colin Stewart. The migrants’ presence may feature in his upcoming report on UNFICYP’s activities.
Furthermore, as the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar is expected in Cyprus this week, diplomatic sources highlighted that migration management might be turned into a bicommunal matter, as attempted by the Turkish Cypriot side in the past. The involvement of the UN and foreign diplomats may be aimed at pressuring Cyprus to accept bicommunal discussions per Turkish demands.
President Christodoulides, in recent statements, stressed Cyprus’s sovereignty in managing migration and its proven sensitivity and capability in handling the issue. “As the Republic of Cyprus, we have informed both the United Nations and the UNHCR of our readiness to assist in any humanitarian matters concerning the individuals in the buffer zone,” he said.
The President also noted that “the Republic of Cyprus does not accept lessons from anyone on how to manage migration. We have proven our sensitivity and our ability to handle this issue on multiple occasions.”
He noted that decisions regarding the territory of the Republic of Cyprus are made by its government. This stance was conveyed to New York, potentially influenced by Colin Stewart’s previous reports from Nicosia.
Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, in meetings at the UN in New York, discussed the Cyprus issue and UNFICYP with Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča, likely briefing him on the buffer zone migrant incident.
Read more:
