Since 1974, and particularly in recent times, the occupying power of Turkey has strongly contested the status of the buffer zone. It has done so through on-the-ground maneuvers and actions. And this amounts to the occupation of territory. These are dangerous moves that confirm, once again, the occupying power’s expansionist policy.
We are witnessing Turkish violations in various areas of the buffer zone. Most recently, there was a violation in the Pyla area. It should be noted in this regard that the occupying power, repeating its pattern, has never implemented the 2023 agreement. On the contrary, it systematically violates the status of the buffer zone. It recently went so far as to occupy part of the buffer zone in the well-known Plati area, raising a Turkish flag while pseudo-police officers conduct patrols.
We must note that the occupying force has occupied an area of 4 square kilometers. This move is clearly provoking a crisis that cannot be defused unless the occupying troops withdraw.
And it is not only in Pyla that a crisis is being provoked, but along the entire length of the ceasefire line, the buffer zone. Recently, we have observed movements in Avlona. It is not troops that are moving, but conscripts from the occupying army… farmers.
In parallel with these on-the-ground moves, the Turkish side is also pursuing the issue of reaching a separate agreement between the Force and the occupying regime. That is, for the breakaway entity to conclude an agreement in the form of a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement). This issue is not a recent one, but a long-standing one. It has resurfaced now through public statements as well as suggestions to the United Nations.
The Turks are thus raising the issue of a separate agreement, implying to the Peacekeeping Force that its current operations in the occupied territories are possible only because the illegal regime permits them! UNFICYP operates as a result of a “gesture of goodwill.”
It is clear that we are facing a new effort by occupying Turkey. An effort that concerns both the occupation of territory and, at the same time, the upgrading of the breakaway entity. Turkish maneuvers must not be accepted.
The Republic of Cyprus is responding. This response must also include measures that will impose a cost on occupying Turkey. Only in this way can pressure be exerted on the Turkish side.
