An understanding has been reached on arrangements to solve the Pile road dispute, the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) said in a statement on Monday.

A scuffle had broken out in August between Turkish Cypriot workers and UN peacekeepers to prevent efforts by the TRNC authorities to build a road between the buffer zone village and Yiğitler in the north.

The Turkish Cypriot side has repeatedly stated that the construction of the road is purely for humanitarian purposes aimed at easing the lives of Turkish Cypriots living in Pile.

“An understanding has been reached on arrangements that will resolve the ongoing situation on the Pile plateau,” the statement from the UN said on Monday.

It added that a few modalities are still being discussed but the framework understanding will come into effect as of Monday.

In a post on social media on Monday, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative Colin Stewart said that the arrangements reached were the result of highly constructive discussions with all concerned, which were committed to reaching a mutually acceptable conclusion to the recent crisis in Pile.”

“The concerns of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots were all carefully considered and addressed, and there was good will shown by all sides. These discussions have been a model of how the sides can find reasonable and mutually acceptable solutions to their disagreements if there is a commitment to reaching such an understanding,” he posted.

Stewart also pointed out that the agreement reached was a reminder that a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem is achievable.

Meanwhile, the British High Commission, the French Embassy, and the U.S. Embassy in South Cyprus welcomed the understanding reached.

“We recognize the constructive approach taken by the sides in this process, as well as the essential role of the UN, to find a way forward to develop Pile in a manner that meets the needs of both communities and continues to ensure security in the area,” the statement read.

It added that all three diplomatic missions reiterate full support for UNFICYP and for the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Colin Stewart, in their engagement with the sides to avoid tensions in Cyprus that could undermine a peaceful settlement.

“We call on both sides to remain flexible and open towards taking steps to resume negotiations and continue to emphasize the urgent need to appoint a UN envoy,” the statement concluded.