UN's Lacroix visits Pyla

Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix who has been on the island since yesterday, visited Pyla.

In a post on platform X, the UN in Cyprus wrote that Lacroix visited the Pyla/Pile plateau and that UNFICYP peacekeepers from the military, the UN police and civilian components briefed him on current developments in the area and on the way forward.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

In August 2023, the Turkish Cypriot side unilaterally announced its intention to build the road through the buffer zone between the villages of Pyla and occupied Arsos. Turkish Cypriots and settlers entered the buffer zone and attacked personnel and vehicles of UNFICYP. A peacekeeper was punched in the face.

The international community, including five permanent members of the UN Security Council, condemned the attack. Later on, discussions began aiming at resolving the issue.

According to an understanding that has been reached for Pyla, a single urban development area will be created, which will ensure the harmonious coexistence of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in the area of Pyla and, will include, among other things, a large area of residential development, the paving of a road leading towards Troulloi village, the creation of photovoltaic parks and the expansion of the urban use area of the village.

This morning, @UNPeacekeeping USG @Lacroix_UN visited the Pyla/Pile plateau in #Cyprus. #UNFICYP #peacekeepers from military, @UNPOL and civilian components briefed him on current developments in the area and on the way forward. #A4P #PK75 pic.twitter.com/PuQQGcy3fl

— UN Cyprus (@UN_CYPRUS) November 2, 2023