The risk of escalation in Cyprus remains high, according to Yuri Pilipson, director of the Second European Department at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In an interview with Russian news agency TASS, the Russian diplomat said the apparent calm on the island should not be taken for granted, as significant potential for tension remains due to the opposed approaches of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to resolving the Cyprus problem.
Pilipson referred to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ six-monthly reports published in July, covering both the Good Offices Mission and the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
He said the reports document numerous violations of the buffer zone boundaries, as well as actions contributing to the militarisation of areas near the buffer zone.
Reference to Turkish presence
According to the Russian official, particular concern is caused by the gradual movement of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot personnel into the Green Line, as well as what he described as growing disregard for the authority of the UN peacekeeping force.
Under these circumstances, Pilipson assessed that the risk of escalation remains high.
He also recalled the incidents in the buffer zone in August 2023, when work initiated by the Turkish Cypriot side to construct a road towards the bicommunal village of Pyla led to violent incidents involving UNFICYP personnel.
Moscow backs UN resolutions
The Russian diplomat reiterated Moscow’s position that the Cyprus problem should be resolved in line with UN Security Council resolutions, specifically referring to Resolutions 541 of 1983 and 550 of 1984.
According to the report, he also stressed the need to carefully take into account the interests and concerns of both communities on the island.
Also read: Government Spokesman: Guterres intends clear path back to substantive Cyprus talks
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
