Press Releases

Further to UNFICYP’s notification to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the so-called commencement of training in the moat area of the Venetian Walls of Nicosia, behind the Home of Cooperation (“Cetikaya football pitch”), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to clarify that:

The Government remains gravely concerned as, despite its numerous démarches by the Ministry, both orally and in writing, UNFICYP did not take any step for terminating the illegal works conducted in the area, and now informs the Ministry of its intention to «permit» the commencement of the use of this area.

The Republic of Cyprus, as the hosting country, which is also the legal owner of the plot under reference in which illegal works take place, has not granted its consent or authorization for any works, or use of the aforesaid plot.

The Government has repeatedly explained to UNFICYP the sensitivity of the area, due to repeated violations of the status quo by the Turkish occupation forces.

The Ministry would like to reiterate that the “buffer zone” is under the effective control of the Government of the Republic, which has temporarily suspended only its military jurisdiction in order to facilitate the implementation of UNFICYP’s mandate. The Republic of Cyprus continues to apply its civil jurisdiction in the area.

UNFICYP is, therefore, requested to undertake all necessary actions in order to terminate and reverse the ongoing violations in the area.

(MF/NG)