Nicosia, 24 February 2017 – Big Game Hunting Season started on 3 November 2016. UNFICYP would like to remind hunters that hunting in the buffer zone is strictly prohibited. Entering the buffer zone area in order to perform any kind of hunting activities, including, but not limited to, those contemplating the use of weapons and/or dogs, runs the risk of drawing fire from either of the opposing forces, and is therefore dangerous and irresponsible.

In this context, it should be stressed that hunters wearing camouflage outfits and/or carrying weapons are easily mistaken for soldiers. Firing guns in the area between the ceasefire lines causes tension because soldiers on duty cannot immediately determine where the shots have come from and may feel obliged to react.

Moreover, in the past, some hunters with loaded weapons have proved to be a hazard to each other, to members of the nearby villages and to UNFICYP patrols in the buffer zone. Those found to be endangering and/or demonstrating aggressive behaviour against United Nations peacekeepers and others will be immediately reported to the competent police and judiciary authorities in view of prompt and proper prosecution in accordance with the law.

End. 

For media enquiries, contact UNFICYP Spokesperson Aleem Siddique Office: +357 22 61 4408 Mobile: +357 996 16197 - +90-533 8800386 Email: siddiquea@un.org