Situation in Rizokarpaso schools , ‘very serious’
The Cypriot government has pledged to take all necessary actions regarding the situation in Rizokarpaso schools after Turkish Cypriot officials were reported to have interfered with the functioning of Greek Cypriot schools, including unannounced inspections and questioning of teachers. This interference has been ongoing since May, with the officials inspecting books, notebooks, classrooms, and teaching materials, and isolating teachers for questioning. The severity of the issue has led to the involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The north’s authorities have a practice of checking all books entering the schools, occasionally banning or requiring modifications to them. The Republic’s foreign ministry typically requests permission for visits through the UN, according to protocol. Additionally, there was a mention of the Turkish army monitoring works by British Bases forces near Achna, and a statement on the situation in Pyla, emphasizing the importance of implementing all provisions of the Understanding for both communities.