President Nikos Christodoulides has called for a National Council meeting in Cyprus following the submission of critical UN reports on Unficyp operations and the UN Good Offices. The meeting will address escalating militarization in the buffer zone, deployment of surveillance technology, inclusivity in peace committees, and innovative peace strategies like sports for youth unity.
Colin Stewart, head of UN Peacekeeping Force, raises concerns about the militarization of Cyprus’ buffer zone, highlighting the rise in military fortifications and advanced technology. This escalation jeopardizes peace efforts, risking the safety of peacekeepers and stability in the region.
The escalating militarization in the Cyprus buffer zone, as raised by UN Official Colin Stewart, poses a threat to peacekeeping efforts established by UN resolutions. Stewart’s concerns highlight the impact of increased defensive positions and military technology on the demilitarized status of the area, further exacerbated by the political stalemate hindering progress towards reconciliation.
The UN is actively involved in promoting peace in Cyprus’ buffer zone through technical committees addressing shared concerns, striving for a lasting solution. Colin Stewart’s briefings emphasize the UN’s commitment and ongoing work to mitigate tensions and foster dialogue in the region.
The crisis in Cyprus involves ‘buffer zone migrants’ stranded in the Green Line, a demarcation area dividing the island. The Cypriot government and the UN are disputing jurisdiction and the treatment of asylum seekers, with the government preventing crossings and the UN accusing it of pushbacks, challenging international asylum rights.
“Cyprus Untold” is a podcast by Samuel LewisBlanc, a former UN officer, sharing stories from his time in the Buffer Zone, offering a unique perspective on Cyprus’ quest for peace and reconciliation. Through personal narratives and historical insights, the podcast sheds light on the challenges faced in a divided land, highlighting the complexities of the Cyprus conflict and the potential for unity.
UN peacekeepers are closely monitoring Turkish activities near Dherynia’s buffer zone, addressing concerns of possible militarization and reinforcing their commitment to stability and peace in the region. The mayor of Dherynia has expressed concern about suspicious digging activities that may indicate preparations for military defenses, highlighting the fragility of peace in the historically complex region and calling for transparency and reassurance from the UN.
The urgent plea to Unficyp is for immediate intervention in the buffer zone dispute in Cyprus, following two separate incursions by Turkish troops that violated the status quo in the Ayios Dhometios buffer zone. The plea calls for action to address and reverse these violations, which have raised stability concerns in the region.
