Nicosia: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed optimism over recent developments in Cyprus, while also cautioning about ongoing challenges. He noted significant progress made during an informal meeting held in Geneva in March, where several trust-building initiatives were agreed upon. Guterres emphasized that further positive steps are possible if both sides maintain their commitment to the peace process.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Guterres remarked on the importance of a planned follow-up informal meeting scheduled for July, highlighting the appointment of his Personal Envoy and meetings between Cypriot leaders as signs of focused efforts to advance the Cyprus issue. He observed that Cyprus has remained free from serious security incidents over the past six months, which he attributed to periods of increased dialogue and restraint from unilateral actions that could escalate tensions.
However, the Secretary General warned against complacency, stressing that the calm should not be mistaken for substantive progress. He highlighted ongoing military and political issues, including the lack of de-escalation and demilitarization in the buffer zone. Guterres expressed concern over military constructions that alter the military status quo and the concealment of military positions within civilian infrastructure, urging the establishment of a direct military contact mechanism under UNFICYP’s facilitation.
The stalled implementation of the Pyla agreement was another point of concern for Guterres. He called on both sides to intensify their engagement with UNFICYP to resume the agreement’s implementation. Additionally, he cautioned against unilateral actions that could increase tensions, particularly in the fenced-off area of Varosha, and reiterated the UN’s unchanged position on the matter, citing resolutions 550 and 789.
Guterres also addressed the issue of divisive narratives and disinformation, which he said undermine trust and efforts towards a common future. He encouraged leaders to give voice to civil society and welcomed the establishment of a new Technical Committee on Youth. Despite the efforts, he noted that progress towards greater equality and cooperation remains inadequate, emphasizing the need for the full implementation of the Green Line Regulation and the opening of new crossing points.
The Secretary General expressed gratitude to the European Commission, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Committee on Missing Persons for their contributions to confidence-building measures. He also noted the high frequency of military and civilian violations, which have decreased but remain a concern.
Financial challenges facing UNFICYP were highlighted, with $20.9 million in unpaid assessed contributions and 9 percent of civilian posts vacant. These constraints have led to delays in security infrastructure projects and the suspension of training.
Guterres urged Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, as guarantor powers, to contribute constructively to the process. He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining dialogue with all sides, guided by relevant Security Council resolutions.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Previous UN-led peace talks have been unsuccessful, with the last round of negotiations in July 2017 ending without resolution. The upcoming informal meeting on Cyprus is expected to continue efforts towards a peaceful settlement.
The UN Secretary-General appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, while the European Commission designated Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to work alongside Holgun in the settlement process.