Tensions persist regarding road construction and territorial claims in Pyla

The Turkish Cypriot foreign minister, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, stated that the road construction project between Arsos and Pyla will proceed, asserting that the 'Tsaihan' area is Turkish Cypriot territory. Ertugruloglu claimed that the area was previously misidentified as a buffer zone due to passive policies and accused UNFICYP of obstructing local development. Tensions escalated following attempts by Greek Cypriot veterinarians to conduct inspections in the area, which the Turkish Cypriot side restricted to specific crossing points. Following these disputes, reports indicated an increase in UNFICYP personnel and aerial surveillance over the region. Ertugruloglu further criticized the United Nations for what he described as a submissive attitude and characterized the British presence near the Dhekelia base as an additional complicating factor. Conversely, the Greek Cypriot side and international peacekeeping forces view the area as part of the UN-controlled buffer zone. Regular meetings between Turkish Cypriot officials and the UN mission are ongoing to address these disputes.