Government blasts stadium activity in buffer zone, UNFICYP in contact with officials

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus’ (UNFICYP) failure to stop the illegal reconstruction of the Cetinkaya football stadium in the buffer zone.

In a press release on Friday, the ministry said it was seriously concerned as despite repeated attempts, UNFICYP “has not taken steps to terminate the illegal activity in the area and announced its intention to ‘allow’ the use of the space”.

Reconstruction works on the stadium were completed in January, following a previous agreement between UNFICYP, the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey. The stadium, which was used by Cetinkaya football team, had been closed since 2014, when it was used for a special stage of the Cyprus International Rally.

But the Foreign Ministry said that as the host country for UNFICYP and the legal owner of the plot of land where the illegal activities are taking place, the Republic of Cyprus has not given its consent or approval for any works or use of the space.

The government, it added, has repeatedly explained to UNFICYP the serious particularities presented by the wider area, due to the very frequent violations of the status quo by the occupying army.

The ministry reiterated that the buffer zone is under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus, which has temporarily suspended the exercise of its military jurisdiction solely to facilitate the execution of the peacekeeping force’s mandate.

The Republic of Cyprus, it added, “continues to exercise its civil jurisdiction within the ‘buffer zone’.” Therefore, “we expect that UNFICYP will proceed with the necessary actions to terminate and reverse the continued violations in the area”.

Asked to comment on the matter later in the day, UNFICYP Spokesperson Aleem Siddique said the peacekeeping force was in contact with officials regarding the issues raised.

Siddique told CNA “we are aware of the statement by the MoFA and are in contact with officials to discuss the issues raised".