The United Nations and Turkish Cypriots are embroiled in a new dispute concerning the freedom of movement by peacekeeping forces on the divided island, reported Midle East Newslink (MENL).
The dispute began when the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus demanded that UN officials obtain prior permission to move around the island and land helicopters in the breakaway republic. The UN has rejected this demand, said MENL.
Officials said the Turkish Cypriots have tightened restrictions to protest what they termed were biased UN resolutions that fail to recognize the Northern Cyprus republic. The regulations began a year ago when UN troops were placed under restrictions in the area of Famagusta.
The helicopter ban imposed by Turkish Cypriots has already prevented the landing of Austrian and Slovakian troops in the Famagusta area. UN helicopters shuttle to the area nearly daily, according to the report.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was self-proclaimed in 1974 after Turkish troops invaded the Mediterranean Island, Turkey is the only country which recognizes the state, which takes up a third of the island’s area, leaving the remaining area to Greek Cypriots – Albawaba.com
