Farmers blocked by Turkish troops in Deneia
Tensions continued on Wednesday in the Deneia area, where farmers were reportedly obstructed by Turkish soldiers while attempting to cultivate their fields before both sides then later left the area.
According to former Deneia community leader Christakis Panayiotou, Turkish soldiers, along with Turkish farmers, entered the buffer zone around 7am as farmers arrived to tend their fields, which they have cultivated for the past 15 years. Both the farmers and the soldiers left the area around 1pm.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Panayiotou said United Nations personnel went on the scene and talked with the Turkish soldiers.
The fields in question cover approximately 15 hectares and, according to Panayiotou, have been cultivated under European subsidies provided through the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation
“Now, the Turkish side is coming in and claiming them,” he said.
Police and army personnel headed to the area, and the foreign ministry was informed of the incident.
Unficyp spokesman Aleem Siddique told the Cyprus Mail on Wednesday that the force “is actively engaged in managing the current situation in Deneia”.
Siddique stressed that farmers working within the UN buffer zone are required to follow UN regulations at all times, that farming near the northern ceasefire line is strictly prohibited, and that any agricultural activity in the area requires a valid UN permit.
“The Unficyp is stepping up its high-level engagement and coordination with opposing forces to maintain order and prevent any further escalation of tensions,’ he said. “Both sides share the responsibility of respecting the established status quo within the UN buffer zone.”
He added that Unficyp remains on standby to assist with de-escalation efforts as necessary.
The situation follows an incident on Monday, when a Turkish army officer allegedly threatened a farmer within the buffer zone. Unficyp managed to defuse the situation and is investigating the incident.
Later on Wednesday, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis stated that authorities will examine the circumstances surrounding both recent incidents in Deneia, adding that the foreign ministry will take “all necessary diplomatic actions” regarding the matter.
The minister’s comments followed a meeting held on Wednesday at the justice ministry with Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou and police chief Themistos Arnaoutis focused on the rise in attacks against food delivery workers.
When asked about tensions near the buffer zone, Hartsiotis said he had not yet received a detailed briefing.
However, he said he was informed of “some form of tension in the area” but had no specific information on the nature of the events.
Hartsiotis clarified that the matter involves more than just the police, as the foreign ministry, National Guard, and other authorities are also engaged in addressing the situation.
“All incidents will be thoroughly examined and all necessary diplomatic steps will be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he said.