The UN Security Council has expressed its support to the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to return to the negotiating process aiming to reach a settlement of the Cyprus problem, and supported a settlement basis providing for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, diplomatic sources said on Tuesday following a briefing of the Security Council by the UNSG`s Special Representative in Cyprus, Elizabeth Spehar.
Spehar briefed the members of the Council on issues concerning the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the good offices mission, focusing on the efforts made by Antonio Guterres and his special envoy Jane Holl Lute to convene an informal 5+1 conference. The briefing lasted a little bit more than one and a half hour.
Responding to a question by CNA, the UNSG`s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said that Spehar was briefing the Security Council on the latest developments – as she is mandated.
Asked if the UNSG has decided if he will convene the informal 5+1 conference in mid-February, Dujarric said that there is no date he is able to share.
Moreover, he noted that the Secretary-General has been very clear in his efforts to find a resolution to the current situation regarding Cyprus.
Meanwhile, the Britain handed over on Monday to the rest of the UNSC permanent members a draft resolution on the renewal of UNFICYP`s mandate, which the Council will be called to adopt on January 28.
Consultations between the five permanent members about the resolution will begin on Wednesday. The draft resolution refers to the basis of a solution and welcomes the UNSG`s intention to call for an informal 5+1 conference.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The latest UN backed round of talks took place in 2017, n the Swiss resort of Crans Montana, but failed to yield any results.
