Turkish Cypriot leader says Greek Cypriot president rejected UN proposal for expanded mine clearance in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman revealed that President Nikos Christodoulides declined a United Nations proposal to increase landmine clearance efforts across the island. The proposal, introduced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his recent visit, aimed to begin demining in the buffer zone before expanding to other contaminated areas. Erhurman stated the Greek Cypriot side rejected the plan citing "security reasons."
The UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (Unficyp) estimates around 47 hazardous areas possibly containing landmines or explosive remnants cover approximately 1.7 million square meters. Previous agreements targeted a "mine-free Cyprus," but demining remains incomplete, particularly near military sites and the buffer zone. Significant minefields linger near civilian regions, such as the village of Mammari, posing ongoing risks.
Greek Cypriot sources indicated that all anti-personnel mines within the Republic have been removed in compliance with international conventions, though anti-tank mines remain as part of defense infrastructure. They assert any remaining mines belong to the Turkish military. Unficyp continues to coordinate clearance efforts alongside specialized deminers and the UN's Mine Action Service to mitigate dangers and support peacebuilding initiatives.
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