NICOSIA: Deliberations on the Cyprus issue are set to intensify as the United Nations prepares for the renewal of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) mandate, scheduled for the end of January. This development marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to address the Cyprus problem, which has persisted for decades.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Aleem Siddique, the Spokesperson for UNFICYP, confirmed that Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Cyprus, will travel to New York on January 6. Stewart is slated to brief the Security Council on January 14 and will also provide updates to troop-contributing member states on January 16 before returning to Cyprus. Siddique noted that reports on the Secretary-General’s good offices mission and UNFICYP are expected to be published next week, adding that the Security Council is anticipated to renew the peacekeeping mandate by the end of January.
In parallel to these developments, diplomatic efforts continue on the ground. Sources informed Cyprus News Agency that Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and Turkish Cypriot negotiator Gunes Onar are likely to resume talks following the Epiphany holiday on January 6, 2025. The sources indicated that the discussions are ongoing, although no specific outcomes have been disclosed.
The division of Cyprus has been a longstanding issue since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and subsequent occupation of the island’s northern region. Despite numerous rounds of peace talks facilitated by the United Nations, a resolution remains elusive. The most recent negotiations, held in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, concluded without an agreement.