Asylum seekers stranded in Cyprus buffer zone fall foul of conflict

Asylum seekers have been stranded in a UN controlled buffer zone splitting Cyprus for weeks, caught up in the conflict which divides the island and a government getting increasingly tough on migration.

For just over three months around 40 people have been trapped in no-man's-land, in what is increasingly becoming a battle of wills between a government adamant not to receive them, and the United Nations which says Cyprus is obliged to, under international conventions.

The stalemate has left men, women and children stuck at two different locations along the 180 km (116 mile) line bisecting Cyprus, in flimsy tents in scorching heat, with no running water or electricity. The toilets are chemical portaloos, the shower is a crate covered with tarpaulin and a bucket of water.

"This is not viable and we are really concerned about the safety and well-being of the people...