Avlona community reports repeated buffer zone breaches to UN

A Turkish settler re-entered a designated “frozen area” within the United Nations buffer zone in Avlona on Monday, carrying out unauthorised agricultural activity despite intervention by peacekeeping forces, according to local authorities.

The incident, confirmed by Avlona community leader Menelaos Savva, involved the same individual who had been removed from the area last Sunday after entering without valid permits.

On this occasion, the settler, accompanied by another, proceeded to collect cut grass and form hay bales using his tractor.

“The same person appeared again and carried out work in the area,” Savva affirmed, adding that United Nations personnel were immediately informed and dispatched to the scene.

Despite being instructed to leave, the individuals remained until completing their work.

“He refused to move and only left when he had finished his work,” Savva said.

The area in question has been classified by the United Nations as a “frozen area”, where no cultivation or access is permitted to any party, including Greek Cypriot landowners.

Savva reiterated that residents have long requested regulated access under supervision.

“We are asking the UN to give us permission and supervise it, so that we can cultivate the fields just as they seem to do,” he said.

United Nations peacekeepers reportedly reiterated the restrictions to the individuals involved, but were unable to secure immediate compliance.

The latest incident follows a similar breach earlier this month, when the same individual entered the buffer zone using a tractor and presented an expired permit dating back to 2014.

He had initially refused to leave and declined to show identification before being removed by UN police.

Local officials argue that repeated incursions point to broader enforcement challenges within the buffer zone.

Savva said UN patrols are frequent but limited in capability, particularly in areas near Turkish military positions.

The foreign ministry has been informed of the latest provocation, but no official statement has yet been issued.