On Saturday morning, a Turkish military vehicle entered the dead zone near the village of Denea (to its west Nicosia) and attempted to evict Greek Cypriot farmers who had moved to cultivate their fields. Members of the UNFICYP (UN Peacekeeping Force) intervened at the scene and everyone left, only for the Turkish vehicle to reappear and the peacekeepers to return again. Normality was restored in the afternoon, as reported by the head of the community of Denia.
THE Cypriot chairman Nikos Christodoulidis described the action as “not a positive development” for the Cyprus issue and assured that all the necessary processes have been carried out to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs made representations to UNFICYP to restore the free and safe access of Greek Cypriot farmers. Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letympiotis said that the occupying army is questioning the status of the Dead Zone and is attempting to create an accomplice, with the government closely monitoring developments.
“The new challenge in Denia dynamizes the good climate and peace on the island,” said Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas, calling on the United Nations to take a clear position.
The Peacekeeping Force is a constant reminder that farming activities near the cease-fire lines within the demilitarized zone pose risks and cause tensions, a position it has repeatedly stated. The new tension in Denia comes at a time when efforts are being made to restart the Cyprus settlement process. The Cypriot authorities consider that such moves undermine the climate and attempt changes on the ground, at a time when restraint and respect for the status quo in the Dead Zone are called for.
Manolis Kalatzis