A firefighter from the Republic was detained by Turkish Cypriot ‘authorities’ in the Pyla buffer zone on Thursday while carrying out a site inspection linked to seasonal fire prevention measures.

The firefighter had entered the buffer zone accompanied by UN police officers to assess conditions in the area and gather information for a report concerning the clearing of dry grass for the fire season.

According to local media, the individual is expected to be released later today “as a sign of goodwill” by the Turkish Cypriot ‘authorities’.

During the visit, Turkish Cypriot ‘authorities’ reportedly stopped the UN police officers and proceeded to detain the firefighter within the buffer zone.

Information indicates that the firefighter was subsequently taken to Pergamos following the incident.

No official statement had been issued regarding the reasons for the detention or the legal basis on which the action was taken.

The incident occurred within the UN controlled buffer zone, an area where access and activities are subject to specific arrangements and coordination procedures involving the peacekeeping force.

UN police were present throughout the visit as part of the inspection process.

When questioned by the Cyprus Mail, the north’s ‘foreign minister’ Tahsin Ertugruloglu retorted that the incident appeared to be “just another case of Greek Cypriots trying to test our reaction to their violations” of the north’s ‘territory’.

He added that the firefighter “has been questioned and is to be retuned” in due course later today.

More to follow….