CYPRUS: Tensions rise as Turkish troops violate UN ceasefire positions

Cyprus says it is working with the UN over rising tension due to a ceasefire violation in the Strovilia area, after Turkish troops advanced from their previously held position.

Government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said: “we are handling the matter in cooperation with the United Nations, we have no further announcement for the time being.”

Speaking to CNA, the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) spokesperson Aleem Siddique said that the force is aware of tension in the area and is liaising with both sides to reduce it.

"There is a situation that we are aware of and we are monitoring, and we are liaising with both sides to see why there are tensions and do what we can to reduce those tensions,” said Siddique.

In 2000 the Turkish army moved their positions forward and violated the status quo in the village of Strovilia, a UN controlled strip of land situated between Dhekelia British Base and the occupied areas. Despite repeated calls by the UN to pull back to their original positions, nothing changed.

Daily Phileleftheros reported that the Turkish military had advanced in the Strovilia area, increasing the extent of Cyprus territory under occupation. Turkish troops reportedly placed barrels, bars and chains to cut off an area where three Greek Cypriot families reside.

State radio said the incursion of the Turkish military is said to have taken place between 1 and 11 February.

CyBC said the Greek Cypriot families were told by the Turkish army that they now live in the breakaway ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ and would therefore need travel documents issued if they wanted to travel to nearby Dhekelia garrison.

The incident comes ahead of an informal leaders meeting between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on February 26, and which will be hosted by the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar at her residence.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of the island’s territory.