UN Extends Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus for Another Year

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a one-year extension of the mandate for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). The decision was made during a session last Friday, with the resolution jointly proposed by the United Kingdom and Ireland.

This extension continues the mission of UNFICYP, which has been stationed on the island since 1964.

The resolution underscores that the responsibility for resolving the Cyprus issue primarily lies with the Cypriots themselves. At the same time, it reaffirms the UN’s crucial role in facilitating a solution, bridging the island’s division, and working towards a comprehensive and lasting settlement.

Expressing full support for UN Secretary-General António Guterres' ongoing efforts, the resolution urges all parties to step up their search for common ground and resume negotiations. It emphasizes that any settlement should be based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality.

Established by the UN Security Council in 1964, UNFICYP currently consists of 796 military personnel and 65 police officers.

However, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkey have strongly opposed the mandate’s extension.

In a statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that Ankara fully supports the stance of the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"The UN Peacekeeping Force’s mandate was extended without the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side, which contradicts established UN practices," the statement read.