By Con Charalambous
The UN are looking forward to further progress in Cyprus issue efforts to kickstart negotiations, with Assistant Secretary General Of Peacekeeping Operations sounding an optimistic note that despite financial cuts, UNFICYP members will be able to continue their work.
In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency and other European media at the UN offices in Brussels, Lacroix was asked by the CNA to provide his assessment on prospects following the Tufan Erhurman victory, as well as the fenced off city of Famagusta, Lacroix referred to a new dynamic that has developed.
'We are definitely hoping for progress, but what I can say is that there is a very high level of commitment at the upper echelons of the UN, remaining steadfast since Antonio Guterres begun his term'.
Cyprus remains a priority for the UN, Lacroix noted, praising the efforts of personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin and the new head of UNFICYP, who's already meeting with the leaders of the two communities.
He further added that there was a very strong commitment and will for the organisation to do its best towards promoting progress, but its ultimately it was up to the two sides, as there are many issues under discussion.
'Some of them involve critical confidence building measures', the UN official said and expressed the hope of pushing them forward and translating progress to important steps.
On the financial pressures being faced by the UN, Lacroix said that these were not real time budget cuts, but more a lack of liquidity.
'Peacekeeping operations budgets, usually approved in June, remain around the same levels', he assured, noting that the problem mainly focused on non-payment by member states. On that point, he disclosed that the UN had managed to secure partial payment from its main donor, the United States.
On possible cuts to UNFICYP, Lacroix expressed the view that the Cyprus mission is in a better position and lucky in a way, because it is partly funded by the Republic of Cyprus and Greece, therefore the impact is much more limited.
'I am quite certain that UNFICYP will continue to be in a position to carry out its operations'.