Nicosia: The United Nations Security Council is set to conduct its biannual consultations on the Cyprus situation this month. The discussions will center on the reports from the UN Secretary-General concerning the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the Good Offices mission.
According to Cyprus News Agency, draft reports are slated for circulation to member states on July 3. The Security Council’s July agenda includes a closed-door meeting on July 14, where Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, will provide a detailed briefing on the island’s current situation.
In preparation for the Security Council briefing, Stewart has engaged with the diplomatic community in Cyprus, providing updates on the UN’s activities on the island. As reported by UN Cyprus on ‘X’, Stewart discussed recent developments in the peace process and highlighted the challenges faced by UNFICYP, particularly financial issues.
The update also emphasized the importance of fostering contact and collaboration among Cypriots on mutual interests. Stewart was accompanied by representatives from the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, the UNHCR, and the UNDP in Cyprus, who shared insights into their ongoing efforts.
Pakistan holds the Presidency of the UN Security Council for July. As Stewart prepares for his upcoming briefing, he has met with key figures, including Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, to discuss pertinent issues related to his report.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres has announced another informal meeting on Cyprus, scheduled for late July, following a similar session in Geneva earlier this year. The meeting aims to advance initiatives like opening crossing points and establishing a Technical Committee on Youth.
In related developments, Guterres appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus in May, with a mandate to re-engage with involved parties. The European Commission has also appointed Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid in the settlement process alongside Holgun.
The President of Cyprus recently confirmed the scheduling of an informal meeting in New York shortly after mid-July, with official announcements from the UN anticipated soon.