Clashes broke out between UN peacekeeping forces and Turkish Cypriot security forces in Cyprus on Friday, the UN says.
Published: 18/08/2023 22:58
Updated: 18/08/2023 23:16
Video of the incident shows UN personnel barking alongside people in Turkish Cypriot police and military uniforms.
UN cars, cement piles and barbed wire are being moved by Turkish bulldozers in the UN-controlled buffer zone that divides the island, the images show.
The confrontation is said to have occurred when the UN tried to stop the construction of an illegal Turkish-Cypriot road in the area.
Condemned
Norway condemns the attack on the UN force, ambassador Lajla Brandt Jakhelln signs X/Twitter.
– The buffer zone is controlled by the UN, and this must be respected. Violence is no way forward for Cyprus, writes Jakhelln, who is Norway’s ambassador to Greece and Cyprus.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also reacts sharply.
– I strongly condemn the Turkish Cypriot attack on the UN peacekeeping force. The EU asks the Turkish Cypriot side to respect the UN’s Monday in the buffer zone and avoid actions that increase tension, she writes in a statement on Friday evening.
Shared since 1974
The incident took place in the city of Pyla, which is one of four cities located within the UN’s buffer zone. The village is unique because it still has Turkish Cypriot residents even though it is located in Greek Cypriot territory.
Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 and controls the northern part of the island and parts of the capital Nicosia, which is split in two. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.
The clash took place at the small village of Pyla. The picture shows a UN location at the back right. Photo: Dickelbers/Wikimedia Commons
sea view
The UN and all other countries regard the northern part of the island as Turkish-occupied, while the EU country Cyprus is internationally recognized. The UN controls a buffer zone between the two areas.
The UN force UNFICYP was formed way back in 1964 to contribute to peace between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parts of the island. But despite several long rounds of negotiations for a reunification, the island remains just as divided.
2023-08-18 20:58:29
#Strong #reactions #Turkish #forces #attacked #Cyprus
