The Foreign Ministry has welcomed UN Secretary-General António Guterres' commitment to continue efforts to restart Cyprus settlement negotiations, while criticising what it described as the United Nations' longstanding policy of maintaining "equal distances" between the two sides.
In a statement responding to the secretary-general's reports on his Good Offices Mission and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the ministry said it supports renewed efforts to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable settlement based on the agreed framework and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The ministry said it shares the secretary-general's view that confidence-building measures cannot substitute for a negotiating process, and reiterated its support for the immediate resumption of talks aimed at achieving a comprehensive, viable and just solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by UN resolutions.
Concern over violations in the buffer zone
The ministry also endorsed concerns expressed by Guterres regarding continuing violations by Turkish occupation forces in and around the buffer zone, particularly in the areas of Pyla, Varosha and Strovilia.
It condemned what it described as illegal actions by the Turkish military, including the harassment of Cypriot citizens and restrictions imposed on UN peacekeepers carrying out their mandate.
According to the ministry, Cyprus continues to attach great importance to the role of UNFICYP under the terms established by UN Security Council Resolution 186 (1964) and expects the restoration of normal conditions in affected areas.
Criticism of UN reporting
At the same time, the ministry expressed disappointment over what it called the UN's longstanding tendency to maintain equal distances between the two sides.
It argued that this approach does not provide a complete or accurate picture of realities on the ground arising from the Turkish occupation and the methods employed by occupation forces, ultimately undermining efforts to build trust.
The ministry further stated that greater attention should be given to Turkey's responsibilities regarding the living conditions of enclaved persons and the issue of missing persons.
Commitment to cooperation
The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to close cooperation and coordination with UNFICYP to ensure the effective implementation of the peacekeeping mission's mandate.
It said the ultimate objective remains a comprehensive and just settlement of the Cyprus issue based on the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Source: CNA
