It has been determined that, on 11 June 2026, a Greek Cypriot individual accompanied by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) unlawfully entered Çayhan Düzü, which is part of the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The investigation that took place regarding the incident revealed that the individual in question is employed by the Fire Service of the Greek Cypriot Administration and was present in the area as part of an activity carried out within the Buffer Zone in cooperation with UNFICYP.
The necessary legal proceedings and investigation were initiated against the individual who unlawfully entered our territory. Following the completion of the required procedures and the issuance of the necessary warnings, the individual was released.
The fact that UNFICYP has once again permitted such activities within the Buffer Zone without the knowledge and approval of the authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is unacceptable. Moreover, extending the scope of such activities to include the territory of the TRNC only aggravates the seriousness of the matter.
The necessary representations have been made to UNFICYP regarding the incident, and a formal protest has been lodged concerning the violation.
It is essential that UNFICYP ensure the necessary coordination with the authorities of the TRNC in its future activities in order to prevent the recurrence of similar violations and to avoid creating tensions.
In this context, while emphasizing that Çayhan Düzü is part of the territory of the TRNC and that the fire safety of the area is ensured by the TRNC Fire Service, we wish to inform the public that we will continue to uphold our sovereign rights and remain steadfast in our determination to protect the borders of our country.