The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Khassim Diagne, outlined the mission’s priorities following a meeting on Monday with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Diagne described the discussion as “very productive.” He said he briefed Erhürman on UNFICYP’s activities during the past six months since his arrival on the island and exchanged views on maintaining calm and stability across Cyprus.
Diagne also referred to the recent renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate by the UN Security Council at the end of January. He said the mission’s priorities for the coming months can be summarised in four key areas.
Operational resilience and financial challenges
The first priority concerns strengthening operational effectiveness and resilience, particularly in what he described as a challenging financial environment. Diagne noted that UNFICYP is among roughly 10 or 11 peacekeeping missions worldwide facing liquidity constraints and resource availability challenges.
Despite these difficulties, he said the mission continues efforts to enhance its operational performance.
Patrols and monitoring in the buffer zone
The second priority focuses on ensuring consistent patrols and monitoring across the buffer zone so that it remains safe, stable and free from incidents.
Maintaining a stable situation along the dividing line remains one of the core responsibilities of the peacekeeping mission.
Support for bicommunal activities
Diagne said the third priority involves continuing work to restore and strengthen support for bicommunal activities wherever possible, emphasising that such initiatives are essential for building trust between the two communities.
Maintaining a stabilising presence
The fourth priority relates to maintaining the mission’s role as a stabilising presence on the island, contributing to broader efforts to support a future political process.
Diagne also welcomed Erhürman’s engagement, noting that the Turkish Cypriot leader “expressed his support for the ongoing activities of the mission.”
Source: Cyprus News Agency (CNA)