Greek Cypriot police stops stranded migrants from crossing buffer zone into south Cyprus

Migrants who have been stranded in the buffer zone between south and north Cyprus for months made a light attempt to enter Cyprus (south) on Monday but were prevented by Greek Cypriot police.

According to report on the incident, Menelaos Savva, the leader of a community which is partially in the buffer zone, said migrants held banners and began moving across the green line to Akaki.

They were carrying their bags and belongings which prompted Savva to call police and inform the deputy ministry of migration.

He said the migrants were asking for access to education for their children as well as ensuring their rights. 

The migrants have been asking for rights to asylum procedures for months but have been barred from doing so by Cyprus authorities.

According to Savva, they tried to cross over into the Republic in a “tepid attempt” which failed after police stepped in.

Some five hours later, they returned to their tents in the buffer zone which have been setup by the UN refugee agency UNHCR.