Nicosia: Cyprus constitutes ‘a context where small, minor incidents could easily escalate without UNFICYP’s (UN peacekeeping force) constant vigilance,’ the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said, addressing on Tuesday the UN Security Council in New York.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Lacroix noted that for decades, UN peacekeeping operations have brought together civilian and uniformed capabilities to support and advance political goals and assist countries in transitioning from conflict to peace. He cited Cyprus as a clear example, where ‘for over half a century of UNFICYP’s presence, the situation has remained calm.’
This stability, he stressed, ‘is not due to the absence of underlying tensions, but to the mission’s vigilance and quiet effectiveness.’ Lacroix pointed out that Cyprus constitutes ‘a context where small, minor incidents could easily escalate without UNFICYP’s constant vigilance.’
‘The mission’s role in preserving stability and preventing incidents from escalating cannot be overstated,’ he underlined. He also noted that ‘UN peacekeeping can help to build confidence and increase the chances for peace.’
The Security Council convened at the initiative of Pakistan, Denmark, and South Korea under the agenda item ‘Maintenance of International Peace and Security,’ focusing on ‘Adapting peacekeeping operations to support political solutions – priorities and challenges.’
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.