A volatile incident unfolded on Tuesday within the UN-patrolled buffer zone near Mammari, Cyprus. Greek Cypriot farmers reported being physically threatened and facing attempted detentions by Turkish army and police personnel. The confrontation, involving over twenty Turkish individuals, has intensified existing anxieties for farmers cultivating land close to a Turkish military outpost. The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has consequently launched a thorough investigation into the matter.
The alleged altercation commenced while farmers Gavriel and Yerolemos Yerolemou were engaged in agricultural work on their land. Their property is reportedly situated approximately 300 metres from a Turkish military position. According to the farmers' accounts, the situation rapidly escalated when a Turkish soldier approached their parked vehicle, attempting to confiscate the keys. This initial action seemingly precipitated a larger confrontation. The farmers claim that Turkish soldiers and police officers then resorted to throwing stones and physically accosting them. One farmer reported being grabbed by the throat during the incident.
A particularly alarming detail emerged regarding a police officer’s attempt to board a tractor. This was an effort to detain one of the farmers, who subsequently accelerated the vehicle to evade apprehension. The Turkish forces reportedly issued commands in both Turkish and English during the tense exchange. The swift intervention of UNFICYP was sought, and peacekeepers arrived at the scene. They reportedly observed the unfolding events, documented the incident, and are now undertaking a comprehensive investigation.
The UN force has confirmed its engagement in communication with both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides. This is in an effort to de-escalate the heightened tensions that have been generated. The repercussions of this incident have extended to the highest levels of the Republic of Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides unequivocally condemned the actions of the Turkish forces. He characterised these actions as "pirate acts" during a recent statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly engaging with relevant parties. This is to ascertain the precise boundaries and access rights for farmers cultivating land within the buffer zone. This is particularly relevant in areas where previous access is now being contested. For farmers like the Yerolemou brothers, the incident has engendered significant fear and a profound sense of uncertainty. This relates to their ability to access and cultivate ancestral lands.
"They were throwing stones at us, they grabbed me by the throat and tried to arrest us," recounted Gavriel Yerolemou, conveying the visceral nature of the confrontation. His brother, Yerolemos Yerolemou, voiced his bewilderment and apprehension. "We were simply tending to our fields. How is that provocation? They had their finger on the trigger." The farmers are now awaiting definitive clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This concerns the specific areas where they are permitted to cultivate their fields. The landscape of land access within the buffer zone appears to be subject to evolving and disputed interpretations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent fragility of the status quo in Cyprus. It highlights the potential for minor disputes to escalate into significant diplomatic and security concerns. The ongoing UNFICYP investigation is crucial in providing clarity and potentially preventing a recurrence of such alarming confrontations.