A French diplomatic source told the Cyprus News Agency from New York that the renewal of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is expected to proceed "without particular difficulties," referring to ongoing consultations at the Security Council. The source added that the renewal is important.
Referring to a "new political situation" on the island, the source said that the UN Secretary-General has full authority to pursue "any progress that is possible" regarding a settlement of the Cyprus issue.
"I believe that the renewal will be possible without particular difficulties, which is important for us, because UNFICYP has indeed provided a non-conflict environment between the two sides for many years," the French diplomatic source told CNA.
For France, the renewal of UNFICYP is an important matter, the source added.
Opportunity for talks
The same source noted that "we observed with interest the results of the elections in the Turkish Cypriot part of the island and believe that the UN should take this opportunity to renew political dialogue between the two sides, through the Secretary-General’s long-standing Good Offices mandate."
Paris considers that "when Confidence-Building Measures are underway, it is easier to conduct talks."
"We believe that the Secretary-General has full authority to pursue every possible step forward, given the new political situation, with a new Turkish Cypriot leader who appears to be more open to a bizonal, bicommunal solution, and a deeply committed President of the Republic of Cyprus who seeks a resolution to this decades-long conflict," and to work towards "a sustainable solution in Cyprus," the French diplomatic source said.
"Therefore, we must be proactive in promoting the resumption of substantive discussions between the two sides," the source added.
According to CNA, during closed consultations, most Security Council member states confirmed the critical role of UNFICYP on the island and expressed satisfaction with the intensification of dialogue between the two communities. Some member states also emphasised the importance of avoiding unilateral actions.