By NewsBlogger Tensions persist along the buffer zone in Cyprus, with UN peacekeepers recording numerous incidents each month, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the region.
At a glance
- Tensions persist along the buffer zone separating Turkish Cypriots from Greek Cypriots.
- Military violations have become more sophisticated and dangerous
- Deal on a contentious road remains in limbo
- Efforts underway to determine if dormant peace talks can be revived
- The situation in Cyprus remains complex and delicate
The details
Tensions persist along the 180-kilometer buffer zone separating Turkish Cypriots from Greek Cypriots, with the UN peacekeeping force recording “hundreds of incidents” every month.
These military violations have become more sophisticated and dangerous, posing a growing challenge to the status quo of ceasefire lines and the buffer zone.
In August last year, Turkish Cypriots were reported to have punched and kicked UN peacekeepers, highlighting the volatile situation in the region.
The deal on a contentious road remains in limbo, adding to the ongoing tensions.
The peacekeeping force, known as UNFICYP, was deployed in March 1964 to quell armed violence, but the ethnic division in Cyprus solidified when Turkey invaded in 1974.
More than 150,000 peacekeepers from 43 countries have served with UNFICYP, with 187 soldiers and staff losing their lives while on mission.
Recently, soldiers currently serving with the force were recognized for their service and received medals during a ceremony.
Efforts are underway to determine if dormant peace talks can be revived, with Cypriots and the international community urged to support a return to negotiations.
The UN chief’s personal envoy for Cyprus is spearheading the peace talks effort, emphasizing the importance of seizing the current opportunity for progress.
The situation in Cyprus remains complex and delicate, requiring careful diplomatic efforts to address the longstanding tensions and work towards a peaceful resolution.
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| independent.co.uk |
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| – Tensions persist along the 180-kilometer buffer zone separating Turkish Cypriots from Greek Cypriots – UN peacekeeping force records “hundreds of incidents” every month – Military violations have become more sophisticated and dangerous – Growing challenge to the status quo of ceasefire lines and buffer zone – Turkish Cypriots punched and kicked UN peacekeepers in August last year – Deal on a contentious road remains in limbo – Peacekeeping force was deployed in March 1964 to quell armed violence – Cyprus’ ethnic division solidified when Turkey invaded in 1974 – More than 150,000 peacekeepers from 43 countries have served with UNFICYP – 187 soldiers and staff have lost their lives while serving with the mission – Soldiers currently serving with the force received medals during a ceremony – Efforts to determine if dormant peace talks can be revived is ongoing – Cypriots and international community urged to support a return to talks – The UN chief’s personal envoy for Cyprus is spearheading the peace talks effort – Stewart emphasized the importance of seizing the current opportunity for peace talks |
