Buffer zone migrants to be ‘removed’
Deputy Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides on Thursday said a group of migrants stranded in the buffer zone will be “removed in the next two to three weeks.”
His statements suggested other countries have accepted to host some of the individuals, though he did not say if Cyprus would allow any of them access to asylum proceedings.
“We have good indications that some countries will accept some of these individuals, and in the next two to three weeks, the matter will be resolved,” he said during the House interior committee.
Dozens of migrants have been stranded in the buffer zone for months, since a shift in the government policy meant that arrivals since mid-May were barred from accessing the Republic of Cyprus.
Most, if not all, came to the island via Turkey and a flight to the north.
“Cyprus will not carry the burden of Turkey’s actions,” Ioannides said. He charged Turkey “at the very least, tolerates the transportation of these people.”
He said that the migrants in the buffer zone admitted to coming to the north with flights or ships from Turkey. “We see a pattern that demonstrates the responsibilities of our neighbouring country.”
Additionally, a decision was also taken to remove the barbed wire placed across the Green Line. Works will begin in the next few days, and it will be used by the national guard or other requirements of the state.