Nicosia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus has welcomed the United Nations Secretary-General's (UNSG) commitment to resuming negotiations for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue. However, the Ministry expressed disappointment over what it describes as the UN's equidistant approach, which it argues misrepresents the realities caused by the Turkish occupation and undermines efforts to foster trust.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Ministry highlighted these positions in a press release concerning the UN Secretary-General's Mission of Good Offices and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) reports to the UN Security Council. The Ministry reiterated the importance of the UNSG's commitment to reviving the negotiation process under the agreed framework and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, while emphasizing that confidence-building measures should not replace negotiations. The Ministry expressed anticipation for negotiations to resume soon, aiming for a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommunal bizonal federation with political equality.
The Ministry also expressed concern over the reported ongoing violations by the Turkish occupying army in the buffer zone, particularly in Pyla, Varosha, and Strovilia. It condemned these actions and the restrictions imposed on UNFICYP's operations. The Ministry underlined the importance it places on UNFICYP's role and expects the force to take necessary measures to reverse violations and ensure normal living conditions.
Despite acknowledging UNFICYP's mandate as per UN Security Council Resolution 186(1984), the Ministry criticized the UN's longstanding equidistant stance for inaccurately depicting the realities on the ground and hindering trust-building efforts. It stressed the need for the UN reports to clearly highlight Turkey's responsibilities, especially concerning the living conditions of the enclaved and the issue of missing persons.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with UNFICYP for effective mandate implementation and achieving a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, consistent with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. Cyprus has been divided since Turkey's 1974 invasion and occupation of its northern third. Previous UN-led peace talks have not succeeded, largely due to Turkish intransigence, with the latest negotiations in July 2017 ending inconclusively.
Efforts for renewed talks are ongoing, with informal meetings in 2025 setting the stage for a broader format meeting as UNSG Antonio Guterres' term nears its end. Mara Angela Holgun, as Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is engaging with the parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.