Calm has prevailed since this morning in the Dead Zone in the area of ​​Pyla, where yesterday there was an attack by Turkish Cypriots against men of the UN peacekeeping force, who were trying to block works to extend the existing road between the occupied Arsus and the bi-communal village of Pyla and which constitute violation of status quo.

Tension arose there with groups of Turkish Cypriots attacking and beating them, causing damage to UN vehicles, while Athens and the international community strongly condemned the incidents.

“The UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) stands ready to take action if necessary to prevent the resumption of any unauthorized construction work in the buffer zone,” the UNFICYP spokesperson said this morning at KYPEAleem Siddiqueasked about how the situation is now after the episodes.

“Our peacekeepers are monitoring the situation in the area. They are continuing patrols and are ready to take action if needed to prevent resumption of any unauthorized construction work,” said Mr Siddique.

He also mentioned that in the morning there was calm in the area without any indication of a resumption of work.

New video

Meanwhile, a few hours ago a new video of the Turkish Cypriot attack on UN troops on the Green Line came to light

In it, the Turkish Cypriots can be seen repelling soldiers, while then a bulldozer takes over the removal of barbed wire.

Speaking to SKAI, he condemned the incident a while ago government representative, Pavlos Marinakiswho commented that the move is unprecedented, spoke of an unprovoked attack on UN peacekeeping forces and a flagrant violation of the status quo.

He pointed out the very strict announcement of the Foreign Ministry and added that Greece and Cyprus will be together in this battle, “we will not tolerate such behaviors”.

The outcry is international, while the UN Secretary General also issued a statement.

Slap by US Congressmen

Meanwhile, the strong condemnation of the leaders of the Greek affairs group in the House of Representatives (Hellenic Caucus) was caused by the attack received by the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus inside the dead zone by Turkish Cypriots. According to the statement issued by UNFICYP, the UN team was attacked when it tried to prevent unauthorized construction work in Pyla area.

The specific incident caused the reaction of some American legislators, who, through their intervention, call on the Turkish side to refrain from any action of further escalation. The announcement is signed by MPs Gus Bilirakis, Chris Papas, Nicole Malliotakis and Dina Titus.

The MPs’ announcement about the incident in Pyla

“We strongly condemn this morning’s attacks on UN peacekeepers and the damage to UN vehicles inside the UN-controlled buffer zone in Cyprus by Turkish forces. Threats to the security of UN peacekeepers and damage to UN equipment and infrastructure are completely unacceptable and undermine the UN’s ability to fulfill its peacekeeping mandate, which could threaten the prospects for reunification and the sovereignty of Cyprus Democracy.

The Turkish authorities must respect the mandate of the mission inside the UN dead zone, refrain from any actions that could further escalate tension, and immediately withdraw all personnel and equipment from the UN dead zone.

Forty-nine years after Turkey’s illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus, the unjustified and illegal Turkish occupation regime continues to escalate tensions and destabilize the entire Eastern Mediterranean region. We will continue our efforts to bring justice to Cyprus and demand the immediate removal of Turkish troops, the return of property to its rightful owners and the reunification of Cyprus.”