The Ministry of Foreign Affairs speaks of an unacceptable violation of the status quo in Strovilia after the installation of a railing on a rural road, citing unsubstantiated allegations of alleged smuggling in the area. As Sigma is informed, similar actions of non-permanent, currently character, are taking place in various areas of the opposition line. However, the subject in Strovilia is not new but dates back to at least 2000.
Strovilia is a settlement of Deryneia in the province of Famagusta, Cyprus. Part of the settlement is located within the British Base Dhekelia while, after the Turkish invasion of 1974, the rest of the settlement is within the dead zone. Due to the occupation of a large part of Deryneia by the Turkish army, Strovilia is cut off from the part of Deryneia controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.
The incidents 2000-2003
On June 30, 2000, the Turkish army advanced on Strovilia and occupied a small part, thus increasing the occupied territory.
The Turks did the same in 2003 when they had advanced about 200 meters by widening the road and cutting off the electricity supply to the houses of Greek Cypriot refugees living in the area, even asking them to go to Famagusta and apply for water for reconnection. and telephones from the Turkish Cypriot networks.
The provocation of the Turks at that time had been reported to the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, by the Cypriot government, as all this was taking place during talks in Geneva with Rauf Denktash for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
In the same year, the Turkish army allowed the opening of some roadblocks and the passage of Greek Cypriots in the occupied part of Cyprus, as well as Turkish Cypriots in the free part of Cyprus.
On February 1, 2019, the Turkish army advanced again and took control of three other houses in the area, telling the residents that they are now "citizens" of the pseudo-state. Both incidents led to repeated calls to the United Nations to restore the recognized 1974 ceasefire.
Strovilia became famous because of their roadblock, through which many Greek Cypriots can head very soon to the city of Famagusta and generally to the occupied province of Famagusta.
Green line regulation
Regulation (EC) No Council Regulation (EC) No 866/2004 of 29 April 2004 which entered into force on 1 May 2004 (hereinafter referred to as the Green Line Regulation). This Regulation lays down the conditions for the application of the provisions of Community legislation on the movement of persons, goods and services across the line. In Annex I, Ledra Pallas and Agios Dometios are defined as crossing points. Pursuant to Article 4 (3) of these Regulations, the passage of goods through the line is allowed only at the points listed in Annex I, as well as at the crossing points Pergamon and Strovilia which are under the supervision of the eastern Area of Sovereign Bases. Prohibits the passage of live animals and animal products through the line. Exemptions are also granted to persons crossing the line.
Source: SigmaLive