In a damning indictment of the Greek Cypriot administration’s recent conduct, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced grave concerns over the deliberate militarisation of civilian spaces in southern Cyprus.

His revelations have once again spotlighted the growing provocations on the island, as efforts to maintain peace and security are undermined by thinly veiled military incursions masked as innocent development projects. The Secretary-General’s warning is a rallying cry for the international community to finally address the unchecked actions of the Greek side, which jeopardise not only the fragile peace but also civilian lives.

A Cloak of Civilian Innocence

Guterres’ concerns centre on the unsettling practice of disguising military installations within civilian infrastructure, a strategy that brazenly breaches established agreements and places innocent lives at risk. One of the most glaring examples highlighted in his report was a research institution near the buffer zone in Nicosia. The facility, ostensibly academic in nature, had been surreptitiously modified under instructions from the Greek Cypriot Ministry of Defence to include reinforced firing ports in its perimeter walls. This blatant violation not only defies the principles of the 1974 ceasefire but also flies in the face of the UN’s peacekeeping mandate on the island.

Such tactics are as reckless as they are dangerous. They blur the lines between military and civilian targets, effectively turning non-combatants into potential casualties. “These actions pose significant humanitarian risks and undermine the integrity of the buffer zone,” Guterres warned in his biannual report on the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). He further elaborated, “The installation of unauthorized military buildings has changed the military status quo despite UN protests.” His report also noted that “the increasing militarisation contradicts statements by leaders who claim to want the Cyprus problem to move forward.” These remarks highlight the troubling inconsistency between the Greek Cypriot administration’s rhetoric and its actions.

Provocations That Endanger Peace

The UN’s report does not stop at the misuse of civilian spaces. It also addresses a worrying pattern of military violations by the Greek Cypriot side. During the six-month reporting period, there were ten recorded incursions into the buffer zone, four of which were attributed to Greek Cypriot forces. These included the unauthorized installation of military-grade surveillance equipment, further eroding trust and stability.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has long warned of such provocations. These violations are not isolated incidents but part of a broader campaign to militarise southern Cyprus under the guise of defence. Guterres underscored the impact of these violations, stating, “The divide between the sides is growing, gradually eroding the prospects of finding a mutually acceptable political settlement.” The TRNC has repeatedly called for transparency and accountability, yet its concerns have been met with indifference by the international community, which continues to turn a blind eye to these dangerous developments.

Double Standards and Defensiveness

Greek Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis’ defence of these actions as “acts of self-defence” is emblematic of the double standards that have plagued the Cyprus issue for decades. He asserted that such measures were necessary given what he described as the “militarisation of the occupied areas”—a narrative that conveniently ignores the Greek side’s own aggressive posture.

This rhetoric is not only disingenuous but also inflammatory. By framing its militarisation as defensive, the Greek Cypriot administration seeks to justify actions that blatantly violate the spirit and letter of international agreements. Meanwhile, the TRNC’s legitimate concerns about its security and sovereignty are dismissed, further marginalising the Turkish Cypriot community in the eyes of the international community.

The Role of the UN and International Community

Guterres’ report is a rare instance of the UN holding the Greek Cypriot side accountable, but words alone are not enough. The international community’s continued failure to address the inequities faced by Turkish Cypriots perpetuates the island’s division. While the Greek Cypriot administration is given a platform to justify its actions, the TRNC remains voiceless on the world stage, despite its consistent adherence to calls for de-escalation and dialogue.

Türkiye, as a guarantor power, has consistently supported peacekeeping efforts and called for a fair and equitable resolution to the Cyprus issue. However, its role is often vilified by the same powers that overlook the Greek side’s provocations. This hypocrisy undermines any genuine effort to foster peace and stability on the island.

The Human Cost of Militarisation

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the Greek Cypriot administration’s actions is the risk they pose to civilian lives. By embedding military infrastructure within civilian spaces, the Greek side not only violates international law but also compromises the safety of its own citizens. In the event of an escalation, these dual-use facilities could become targets, with devastating consequences for innocent civilians.

This reckless approach is a stark contrast to the TRNC’s commitment to maintaining peace and security within its borders. While the Turkish Cypriot side continues to work closely with UNFICYP to uphold the integrity of the buffer zone, the Greek side’s actions threaten to undo decades of peacekeeping efforts. Guterres reinforced this, stating, “Actions that increase tensions and undermine trust are counterproductive to achieving peace.”

A Call for Accountability

Guterres’ report must serve as a wake-up call for the international community. The Greek Cypriot administration’s actions are not just a violation of agreements but a direct threat to the fragile peace that has been maintained on the island. The UN’s credibility as a peacekeeping body depends on its ability to hold all parties accountable, without favour or bias.

For Turkish Cypriots, the stakes are higher than ever. The TRNC’s calls for recognition and equality are not merely political aspirations but essential to ensuring the safety and security of its people. As long as the international community continues to ignore the Greek side’s provocations, the prospects for a lasting peace will remain out of reach.

TCE Conclusion: The Path Forward

The situation in Cyprus is a litmus test for the international community’s commitment to justice and fairness. Guterres’ report has exposed the dangerous games being played by the Greek Cypriot administration, but it is up to the world’s leaders to act on these revelations. The TRNC, with its consistent calls for dialogue and cooperation, has demonstrated its commitment to peace. It is time for the international community to reciprocate by addressing the imbalances that perpetuate the island’s division.

The message is clear: peace in Cyprus cannot be achieved through militarisation and provocation. It requires mutual respect, transparency, and a genuine commitment to dialogue. The international community must recognise the TRNC’s legitimate concerns and work towards a solution that ensures security and equality for all Cypriots. Anything less would be a betrayal of the principles that the United Nations and its member states are sworn to uphold.

References

Cyprus Mail, January 7, 2025; 

Knews, July 4, 2024; Protothema, July 4, 2024;

In-Cyprus, January 5, 2025;

CBN, January 12, 2024