Nicosia: UN Secretary General's Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Khassim Diagne outlined UNFICYP's priorities, after meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, on Monday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Diagne, speaking to the Press afterwards, described the meeting with Erhuman as 'very productive'. He stated, 'I briefed his excellency on UNFICYP's activities over the past six months, since my arrival on the island, and we exchanged views on how to continue safeguarding calm and stability across the island.'
Diagne highlighted the recent renewal of UNFICYP's mandate by the Security Council at the end of January this year. He outlined the mission's priorities for the coming months, summarizing them into four key areas.
Firstly, Diagne emphasized strengthening operational effectiveness and resilience, particularly in a challenging financial environment. He noted that UNFICYP faces challenges regarding liquidity and resource availability, similar to other peacekeeping missions worldwide, but remains committed to bolstering operational effectiveness and resilience.
The second priority involves ensuring consistent patrolling and monitoring across the buffer zone to maintain safety, stability, and prevent incidents. Diagne's third priority focuses on continuing efforts to restore and reinforce support for inter-communal activities, recognizing their importance in building trust between the communities.
Finally, maintaining the mission's role as a stabilizing presence is crucial, thereby contributing to broader efforts to support the political process moving forward.
Diagne expressed appreciation for the Turkish Cypriot leader's engagement, noting that Erhurman expressed his support for the mission's ongoing activities.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be achieved, with the latest negotiations in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ending inconclusively.