UN peacekeeper injured in buffer zone clash with farmers
Source: in-cyprus.com
The United Nations is expected to file a formal complaint with Cyprus Police following Friday morning’s confrontation with farmers in the Deryneia buffer zone, which left one peacekeeper slightly injured and three UN vehicles damaged.
UNFICYP reported that farmers deliberately drove tractors into UN peacekeeping vehicles while attempting to cultivate fields in the buffer zone without required permissions.
The peacekeeping force condemned the farmers’ actions, saying that “Threats to the safety of UN peacekeepers and damage to UN property are unacceptable and may constitute a serious crime under international law”.
“Farming near the ceasefire lines inside the UN buffer zone is strictly prohibited and risks provoking tensions”, UNFICYP told philenews, and called on farmers to “comply with all UN rules and regulations for farming activities inside the buffer zone”.
Famagusta Police spokesman Andreas Constantinou said police were alerted around 9:30 am that a Greek Cypriot farmer and people who worked for him had entered the buffer zone near Frenaros-Vrysoulles area and began cultivating fields in a restricted area.
“UN peacekeepers attempted to stop the farmer and the workers from continuing cultivation, which led to tensions and confrontation”, Constantinou said.
“The incident resulted in damage to UN vehicles, while the farmer and the workers allegedly attacked peacekeeping force members”.
The UN is expected to file an official complaint to Deryneia police for investigation of the incident.
The original article: belongs to in-cyprus.com .
