The new resolution for the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), that was adopted on Tuesday, contains a series of changes compared to the corresponding resolution adopted in January 2023, which concern the promotion of the peace process for the Cyprus issue, the de-escalation of tensions and addressing socio-economic inequalities on the island.
One of the most important changes regards the reference to the appointment of the UNSG’s personal envoy, which the UNSC welcomes. The UNSC ‘welcomes the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to assume a good offices role on his behalf and further encourages the sides to engage constructively with the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy in the search for common ground with the goal of returning to formal negotiations for a lasting settlement in Cyprus”, it says.
A paragraph is also added in the resolution regarding the de-escalation of tensions. It says that the UNSC urges “both sides and all involved par
ties to take steps to de-escalate tensions in and around the Buffer Zone, underlining the importance of respect for the integrity and inviolability of the Buffer Zone and UNFICYP’s mandated authority therein.”
One more change is the addition of a reference that the socio-economic inequality is a risk that can lead to “further estrangement on the island.” This reference is linked to the proposals to further strengthen trade, by removing remaining obstacles and opening new crossing points.
Some references related to the trade of the green line are changed and there is a call for the opening of new crossing points and the elimination of obstacles to trade.
It says that the UNSC ‘welcomes the continued flow of trade across the Green Line, while noting that trade levels have not yet reached their full potential, and encourages further progress on the removal of remaining obstacles and the opening of new crossing points and expansion of bicommunal contact, reiterates its support for the proposal of the Secretary
-General for a dialogue between the parties and the Special Representative to explore a possible agreement on surveillance technology and unmanning of positions adjacent to the buffer zone but continues to regret the lack of progress in this regard to date’.
Regarding Pyla, a reference is added which, as CNA learns is deemed satisfactory for the Greek Cypriot side, since it condemns the attack on members of UNFICYP on August 18, 2023 and the parties are called upon to cooperate for the implementation of the understanding reached on issue. It also expresses dissatisfaction for the emergence of new issues that led to the pause of work in the area:
‘Recalls its press statement (SC/15391) of 21 August 2023 which condemns the assaults against UN peacekeepers and damage to UN vehicles by Turkish Cypriot personnel near Pyla/Pile on 18 August 2023, welcomes the Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s engagement with all parties to reach an understanding regarding arrangements for the Pyla/Pile plateau as
outlined in paragraph 11 of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2024/12), regrets that the emergence of new issues has resulted in a pause in all work and urges all parties concerned to work constructively with UNFICYP to implement the Pyla/Pile understanding as an important confidence building measure.”
One more change is that instead of “noting with concern” it says it “condemns” the continued violations of the military status quo along the ceasefire lines, the reported encroachment by both sides into the Buffer Zone and the risks associated, the challenges to the mission’s delineation of the Buffer Zone and the reported increase in number and severity of military violations and unauthorised construction.”
A reference is also added to “move forward violations” which are indirectly attributed to the occupying forces. This is considered to be in response to the Government’s request for the necessary inclusion of the Secretary General’s relevant observation in par. 21 of his report on UNFICYP.
The UNSC ‘notes
that the Security Council recognizes UNFICYP’s delineation of the Buffer Zone and expresses particular concern over the reported trend of repeated move forward violations across the northern ceasefire line and challenges to the status quo of the Buffer Zone in certain areas.’
One more reference is added which says that the UNSC “welcomes UNFICYP making use of relevant tools to enhance its situational awareness and encourages further progress in this regard within existing resources and, as appropriate, in consultation with parties within existing practice.”
A reference to ‘disinformation’ is added, where the UNSC says that it «underlines the importance of a proactive approach to strategic communications, and requests UNFICYP to strengthen its existing efforts to monitor and to counter disinformation and misinformation”.
Finally, the UNSC calls for “reinvigorating the Technical Committee on Education and empowering it”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third
. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue.
Source: Cyprus News Agency