The continued operation of UNFICYP the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Cyprus is necessary while the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the UN, ambassador Kornelios Korneliou has told the UN Security Council, reiterating at the same time the Republic of Cyprus’ commitment to do its utmost to overcome the deadlock and to prepare the way for a comprehensive settlement of the issue.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-peace talks at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana took place between June 28-July 6 but failed to reach any fruitful results. The talks, under the auspices of the UN, aim at reuniting Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion, under a federal roof.
Since a de facto ceasefire in August 1974, UNFICYP has supervised the ceasefire line; provided humanitarian assistance; and maintained a buffer zone between the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces in the Turkish occupied areas and the Republic of Cyprus` forces in the government controlled areas. UNFICYP’s Chief of Mission also serves as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus and in that capacity leads efforts to assist the parties in reaching a comprehensive settlement.
Korneliou was addressing an open debate of the UN Security Council, chaired by Egypt’s Permanent Representative Amr Abdellatif Abulatta entitled ““United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Their potential contribution of the overarching goal of sustaining peace,” a Press and Information Office (PIO) press release issued here today says.
Referring to UNFICYP Korneliou said that it “constitutes an example of effective peacekeeping mission and its continuation is necessary as long as the Cyprus problem remains unresolved.”
He underlined that the situation in Cyprus and the prospects for peace would worse by far had UNFICYP not been present and active in the island, the press release adds.
“We remain committed to the goal of reunification of the island since any other alternative does not serve the interests of the Cypriot people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots,” Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the UN said.
He further expressed readiness “to do our utmost to overcome the deadlock and to pave the way for a comprehensive settlement which will finally achieve Cyprus’ reunification in a viable, functioning state, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, international law and European Union acquis.”
Korneliou conveyed Cyprus’ “gratitude to the Secretary General for his tireless efforts and his personal involvement in the effort for a solution to be reached in the Cyprus problem as well as to the Security Council for its strong message of unity and support.”