Brussels: UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix expresses hopes that progress can be achieved regarding the Cyprus issue. In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) and other European media at the UN office in Brussels, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, expressed optimism about progress on the Cyprus issue. He assessed that despite budget cuts, the personnel of UNFICYP will continue to be able to carry out their work.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Lacroix appeared optimistic about the momentum that has been developed following the recent “elections” in the Turkish Cypriot community. “We certainly hope for progress,” he said. “What I can say is that there’s really a very strong level of commitment from the highest level of the UN, and that has been the case since the very beginning of Ant³nio Guterres’ mandate. Cyprus is a very significant priority for him, for our Special Envoy, Mara ngela Holgun, and the new head of UNFICYP, who has already begun interacting with the leaders.”
Lacroix emphasized the strong commitment and willingness of the UN to advance progress on the Cyprus issue, ultimately noting that “this depends on the parties.” He highlighted the importance of confidence-building measures currently under discussion and expressed hope for progress both on these measures and in the broader context of the issue.
Addressing the financial constraints faced by the UN, Lacroix clarified that the challenges stem from liquidity issues due to non-payment or partial payment by member states rather than actual budget cuts. He explained that while peacekeeping budgets remain stable, the lack of liquidity requires missions to implement savings plans, resulting in reduced operational capacity.
Lacroix noted that the UN received partial payment from the United States, which helped avoid the worst-case scenario of a 25% reduction in funding and operational capacity. He highlighted the importance of strategic pressure on member states to ensure timely payments, specifically referencing efforts made by the Secretary-General during the High-Level Week.
Regarding UNFICYP, Lacroix expressed confidence in the mission’s ability to continue its work despite the financial challenges. He credited the partial funding from the Republic of Cyprus and Greece as mitigating factors against significant impacts from the cuts. Lacroix reaffirmed the mission’s importance, particularly given the current political dynamics and support from the Secretary-General and the Security Council.
Lacroix discussed the broader implications of budget constraints on UN peacekeeping missions, noting efforts to ensure all missions, including UNMISS in South Sudan, manage a 15% savings plan over nine months. He emphasized the goal of persuading member states to fulfill their financial obligations to avoid future disruptions to peacekeeping operations.
Turning to the situation in Gaza, Lacroix explained that establishing a new mission would require the consent of involved parties, including Israel. He referenced a draft proposal from the US that does not currently envision a UN peacekeeping mission, but rather a stabilization force, with the UN Security Council yet to make a decision.
Lacroix concluded by underscoring the importance of strengthening humanitarian aid and reiterated the UN’s commitment to a political solution based on the two-state principle, as consistently advocated in UN resolutions.