Guterres Recommends Extending UNFICYP Mandate

According to a report submitted to the UN Security Council and cited by Alithia, Guterres expressed continued concern over ongoing violations within and near the buffer zone, as well as the failure to reverse unilateral actions in Varosha. He recalled that since early 2020 there has been no response to the Security Council’s calls for these actions to be undone, stressing that the UN’s position, based on Resolutions 550 and 789, remains unchanged.

Guterres noted that a new, albeit “cautious,” dynamic has emerged in the Cyprus issue. He said the assumption of office by the new Turkish Cypriot leader and the increased interaction between the two leaders have rekindled hope for a limited window of opportunity, even though the fundamental political obstacles remain unresolved.

The report underlined that no tangible progress has been achieved in reducing military tensions. Guterres voiced concern over violations following the construction of military installations in the buffer zone, warning that such developments appear aimed at permanently altering the military status quo. While no serious incidents have occurred recently, he stressed that the continued military build-up along the ceasefire lines remains a source of instability.

Special reference was made to the installation of surveillance systems. Although there has been a slowdown as work nears completion, UNFICYP continues to view these systems as a significant destabilising factor. Guterres also noted a limited increase in similar systems installed by the Greek Cypriot National Guard, describing the concealment of military positions within civilian structures as particularly worrying.

The Secretary-General further condemned restrictions placed on UNFICYP’s freedom of movement. Taking into account the mission’s contribution to maintaining peace and stability on the island, Guterres recommended the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate, emphasising that its effectiveness depends on the full cooperation of both sides.