Alpha News

Illegal Cultivation in the Buffer Zone: Turkish Farmers Asked Village Leader to Leave

Published January 15, 2026, 14:32

Turkish farmers continue to illegally cultivate land within the buffer zone in the Avlona area, next to a United Nations checkpoint. Despite a call to UNFICYP, the illegal activity was not terminated. Furthermore, reports indicate that the village leader was asked to leave the buffer zone, despite having the necessary permit. The Citizens' Movement expresses strong concern over UNFICYP's stance, accusing it of applying double standards regarding the protection of the buffer zone, citing the recent cancellation of a documentary screening about the Women's Marches as an example. They believe that the United Nations in Cyprus is demonstrating a biased attitude in favor of the illegal regime in the occupied territories.