Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Immigration, Nicholas Ioannides, stated on Tuesday that the Republic of Cyprus will not grant entry to migrants currently stranded in the buffer zone. Following a visit to the Pournara migrant reception center, Ioannides emphasized the government’s objective to prevent the buffer zone from becoming a transit route for migrants.
He acknowledged that the situation of the migrants in the buffer zone is being addressed in collaboration with the interior and justice ministries, stating, “Our position is clear. We will not accept these people. We do not want the green line to become a passage for migrants.” He added that the government’s efforts are focused on ensuring the migrants’ basic needs are met until a solution is reached.
Ioannides stressed the need to curb the influx of migrants, citing the problems caused by past trends. He highlighted that the ideal resolution would involve facilitating the migrants’ return to their country of origin, Turkey, or their relocation to a different country.
Currently, 31 migrants have been stuck in two locations within the buffer zone for over a month.