Spehar briefs UN Security Council

UN special representative Elizabeth Spehar on Tuesday briefed the UN Security Council on the secretary general’s good offices mission in Cyprus, focusing on efforts to convene an informal five plus one meeting to explore the possible resumption of Cyprus talks, the Cyprus News Agency reported from New York.

It said that the briefing, which was carried out online because of the coronavirus pandemic, lasted just over one and a half hours and also dealt with the mandate of Unificyp, whose term is up for renewal later this month.

Earlier, the secretary general’s report on his good offices mission and a second report recommending a six-month renewal of Unifcyp’s mandate were circulated as official documents of the UN Security Council.

Citing preliminary information from diplomatic sources, CNA said there was backing in the Security Council for the efforts of the UNSG for a resumption of the talks as well as broad support for a Cyprus settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Spehar had briefed the Security Council on the latest developments. Asked whether the UN secretary general had decided whether to convene a five plus one meeting in mid-February, the spokesman said he was not in a position to give a date.

Consultations on the draft resolution on the renewal of Unficyp’s mandate will begin on Wednesday with the Council expected to adopt it on January 28.

The draft resolution refers to the basis of a solution and welcomes the UNSG’s intention to call for an informal 5+1 conference.