President Nikos Christodoulides asserted on Friday that Cyprus does not accept lectures on how to manage the issue of migrants. This statement came amidst warnings from the UN peacekeeping force (Unficyp) and the UNHCR about the difficult conditions faced by 31 migrants in the buffer zone.
President Christodoulides, arriving at the presentation of the Cyprus Olympic Team in Nicosia, was asked whether the stranded migrants in the buffer zone were deliberately allowed to enter. He responded that the Republic of Cyprus has informed both the United Nations and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) of its readiness to assist in any humanitarian issues related to these individuals.
However, he emphasized that Cyprus does not accept lectures on managing migration issues from anyone. "Those who think that public statements can pressure Cyprus will not achieve anything," he underscored, noting that such challenges require cooperation rather than public interventions.
"We have demonstrated sensitivity to this issue numerous times, as well as our capability in managing it," Christodoulides added, highlighting the ease with which those outside Cyprus make statements on the matter.
He clarified that Cyprus would not, under any circumstances, allow the creation of a new route for irregular migrants, describing it as a challenge the government is prepared to confront. While acknowledging that migrants have crossed through the buffer zone to seek asylum, he insisted that this does not constitute a new route.
Unficyp recently expressed concerns to the Cypriot government about the "growing humanitarian situation" within the buffer zone, where over 30 asylum seekers have established camps near Nicosia and Akaki. The UNHCR has also voiced alarm over the migrants' safety, stating that the Cypriot government has denied them access to asylum procedures.
Despite receiving support from Unficyp and the UNHCR, including provisions of food, water, clothing, and basic facilities, the migrants in the buffer zone are reportedly living in precarious conditions in tents exposed to extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C in recent days.
