Head of UNFICYP says political process disappointing

On Monday, the UN security council held closed consultations on the peacekeeping force of the international organization in Cyprus, UNFICYP, under the chairmanship of Permanent Representative of Brazil, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho.

During the consultations which lasted approximately two hours, the members of the security council were briefed by the special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus and head of UNFICYP, Colin Stewart, on the situation and recent developments in Cyprus, ahead of the vote for the adoption of the resolution for the renewal of the peacekeeping force mandate.

According to the Cyprus News Association (CNA), Colin Stewart, during the presentation of the two reports, said that the political process is disappointing because there is no development, nor are there any prospects on the horizon due, as was said, to the electoral procedures ahead of the elections in Cyprus and Turkey in 2023.

Referring to the general climate between the two sides, the special representative emphasised that there is no trust. He also emphasised that there is an economic imbalance between free and occupied areas and recommended economic, social and cultural cooperation from both sides to resolve the problems and re-establish a climate of trust.

As for Warsaw, the talks have reportedly been subdued with no reversal of what has been done so far. Stewart added that small-scale projects and infrastructure had since been seen.

With regard to the dead zone, the focus was on the issue of immigration and the fence that the republic of Cyprus is building, and it was emphasised that the two sides must agree and start a dialogue at a military level.

UNFICYP’s mandate expires on 31 July 2022, and the security council is expected to renew its mandate for another six months in an open session on 28 July 2022.