UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has recommended that the Security Council extends UNFICYP’s mandate until January 31, 2020 in recognition of its continued contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability.
On the effort for the resumption of Cyprus reunification talks the UNSG reiterated his “call to the parties to engage in the current consultations exercise constructively, creatively and with the necessary urgency.”
“The parties should redouble their efforts to restore full-fledged negotiations and their engagement should be infused with a sense of purpose and determination to reach a successful end within a foreseeable horizon,” said Guterres in his report on UNFICYP.
“Continued violations and low-level tensions during the period under review demonstrate how UNFICYP, through its monitoring, engagement and liaison, continues to play an indispensable role in preventing escalation,” he added.
I am concerned, he notes, “that pending a full-fledged resumption of the Cyprus talks, violations of the military status quo will continue, posing a potential threat to security and stability in the buffer zone and beyond.”
“Against this background, the continued presence of UNFICYP remains essential to report and address violations in accordance with its mandate, prevent tensions, contribute to the creation of conditions conducive to a political settlement,” he adds.
“In recognition of the continued contribution by UNFICYP to the maintenance of peace and stability, I therefore recommend that the Security Council extends the mission’s mandate until 31 January 2020,” Guterres said.
Guterres also recalls that UN senior official Jane Holl Lute “continued her consultations on my behalf aimed at facilitating agreement on the terms of reference that would constitute a consensus starting point for a possible negotiated conclusion to the Cyprus issue.”
On the Cyprus issue, the UNSG said, “despite the notable progress on confidence-building measures and initial engagement on ‘mechanisms’, the mood surrounding the peace process did not improve, with the two sides continuing to disagree over substance and blaming the other for the persisting stalemate.”
“Scepticism remained widespread and interest in and hope for the peace process remained low.”
According to Guterres developments in the region have also tainted the atmosphere for a resumption of talks.
“In a concerning development, tensions over hydrocarbons continued to grow, with few prospects of subsiding in the near or medium term.”
“I have repeatedly stressed that the natural resources found in and around Cyprus should benefit both communities and constitute a strong incentive for all parties to find a mutually acceptable and durable solution to the Cyprus problem.”
Comprising military and civilian personnel from various contributing countries, UNFICYP arrived in Cyprus in March 1964 after intercommunal fighting broke out. The mandate of the force is renewed every six months by the UN Security Council. (source CNA)
