Tatar and Stewart confer on security issues in Cyprus buffer zone

The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative to Cyprus, Colin Stewart, expressed concern about the militarization of the buffer zone, stating that it is "progressing at an alarming rate on both sides."

After a 50-minute meeting, Mr. Stewart, upon leaving Tatar's office, said he visited to inform him about his upcoming trip to New York. He is set to leave this weekend and will brief the UN Security Council on July 11, returning to Cyprus in early August.

Mr. Stewart stated that they discussed the main issues he plans to present to the Security Council, which will also be included in the UN Secretary-General's report. "In particular, the militarization of the buffer zone is proceeding at an alarming rate on both sides. Despite the Security Council's request for mutual de-escalation, we have not seen any progress on this issue," he said.

It is noted that Mr. Stewart met yesterday with President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus. Speaking to the media after his meeting with the president, Mr. Stewart said he is preparing to travel to New York next week to brief the Security Council. The UN Special Representative expressed concern about the continued militarization of the buffer zone.

He spoke of ongoing tensions on the island and expressed hope for progress in the political process, "because we see a direct link between having some form of mobility in the political process and maintaining peace on the island."

He added that if the political process stalls, he fears there will be consequences in the buffer zone as well. Mr. Stewart mentioned he had told President Christodoulides that there had been some positive developments, such as religious pilgrimages on both sides, which he said "are good, build trust, and build hope for a peaceful future."

He also noted that the president shared his views with him.

When asked to provide examples of the buffer zone's militarization, Mr. Stewart referred to the Secretary-General's report, which is due for release in the next two days. "We have the construction of significant defensive positions, an increase in the use of military technology, sensors, and cameras along the buffer zone, and a record increase in the number of incidents in the buffer zone," he said.

He added, "All of this undermines the UN mandate in Cyprus and our ability to maintain the integrity of the buffer zone, which is the foundation for our work here."

In response to a question about developments concerning the trapped migrants in the buffer zone, he confirmed there were 28 individuals in difficult conditions. The United Nations is providing them with food, water, and shelter, but they remain in challenging circumstances.

He added that they fully support UNHCR's work, consulting with the government to find a long-term solution. When asked if there were any plans to organize their return to Turkey, where they came from, he replied, "No."

[Information sourced from CNA]