Following information received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from UNFICYP regarding the commencement of training sessions in the trench area behind the House of Cooperation in Nicosia ("Tsentikaya Stadium"), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports the following:
The Government maintains serious concerns as UNFICYP, despite repeated representations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has failed to ensure that illegal work on the site is brought to an end and advises of its intention to "allow" the use of the site.
The Republic of Cyprus, as the host country for UNFICYP, but also as the owner of the land on which the illegal work is taking place ("land"), has not given its consent or approval for any work or use of the site in question.
The Government has repeatedly explained to UNFICYP the serious particularities of the area, due to the very frequent violations of the status[/I]quo by the occupying army.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that the buffer zone is under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus, which has temporarily suspended the exercise of its military jurisdiction for the sole purpose of facilitating the implementation of the terms of reference of the Peacekeeping Force. The Republic of Cyprus continues to normally exercise its civilian jurisdiction within the buffer zone.
We therefore expect UNFICYP to take all necessary actions to end and reverse the ongoing violations in the area.
(MF/NG)
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