Nicosia: As the host country of one of the longest-running peacekeeping operations in the world, Cyprus recognizes the importance of maintaining a UN force to prevent the recurrence of fighting, especially amid evolving challenges, stated the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michail.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Michail emphasized during the Security Council open debate on the future of peacekeeping operations that the Security Council should remain central to the peace and security framework. She highlighted that peace operations should adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, focusing on international law, human rights, and the involvement of women and youth in peace processes.
Michail stressed the necessity of adhering to the fundamental principles of peacekeeping: the consent of the host country, the impartiality of the peacekeeping mission, and the non-use of force except in self-defense and in defense of the mandate. She reiterated the critical role of sustaining a UN force in preventing the recurrence of fighting in Cyprus.
She noted that the mandate of UNFICYP, as agreed by the Republic of Cyprus, aims to uphold the Charter, implement relevant Security Council resolutions, and act as a deterrent against aggression by contributing to restoring law and order and ensuring a return to normal conditions. Michail concluded by emphasizing that peace is a collective effort and that UN operations are vital tools for peace and stability requiring a common vision and strong political will.
Greece praised peacekeeping operations as highly visible and effective tools of the UN Security Council for maintaining international peace and security. Deputy Permanent Representative of Greece, Ioannis Stamatekos, stated that peacekeeping operations should adapt to existing and new challenges while continuing to monitor and maintain ceasefires.
Stamatekos reiterated Greece’s commitment to supporting peacekeeping operations with skilled personnel and balanced gender representation and stressed the importance of innovation to make peace operations more agile and effective while cautioning against disinformation. He expressed Greece’s support for the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate and its role in maintaining stability in Cyprus and the Buffer Zone.
Furthermore, Stamatekos mentioned the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, underscoring Greece’s support for the renewal of its mandate and its importance as a critical partner for Lebanon and the region’s stability. He noted that the mission’s transition must be safe, orderly, and closely coordinated with the host country.