UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says that it is reassuring to see the concrete steps taken in Geneva at the informal meeting in a broader format held in March, with a number of specific initiatives agreed that have the potential to build trust between the two sides, adding that if the two sides remain committed “further positive steps are possible”.
“This, together with the decision by all parties to hold another informal meeting at the end of July, 5 their agreement to the appointment of my Personal Envoy and the meetings between the leaders on the island, are indications of more focused efforts to find a way forward on the Cyprus issue. If the two sides remain committed, further positive steps are possible”, the UNSG noted, in his observations in an advanced copy of his report on his Good Offices on the island, circulated on Thursday.
This report along with the one on UNFICYP are expected to be discussed on Monday 14th July, just two days before a meeting his has convened on Cyprus, in a broader form, following the one in Geneva last March. The meeting, will start 16th July with a dinner and will continue on the 17th with bilateral meetings and the plenary of the conference.
In his reports the UNSG says that over the past six months, Cyprus remained free from serious security incidents, a development the Secretary General welcomes.
“Periods of increased dialogue and activity in the peace process have coincided with a corresponding restraint from unilateral actions that threaten the security situation on the island,” he notes.
However, he adds, this calm should not be mistaken for substantive progress, as the Secretary General emphasizes that little has been done to address the underlying military and political issues.
Despite repeated appeals, both sides continue to ignore calls for de-escalation and demilitarization in and around the buffer zone. The Secretary General expresses particular concern about military constructions that “seek to permanently alter the military status quo,” warning that the practice of concealing military positions within civilian infrastructure “raises serious humanitarian concerns.”
“The deliberate blurring of the distinction between military and civilian objects by embedding military assets in civilian infrastructure poses risks to civilians. The imbalance of forces on the island cannot be invoked to justify such violations,” he stresses, once again urging the establishment of a direct military contact mechanism under UNFICYP’s facilitation.
Guterres also voices concern over the stalled implementation of the Pyla agreement, calling on both sides to “intensify their constructive engagement.”
“I urge both sides to increase their constructive engagement with the Mission in order to find a solution and resume implementation of the agreement. UNFICYP remains committed to preserving and implementing the agreement,” he states.
Beyond the buffer zone issue, the Secretary-General warns that “unilateral actions that could heighten tensions and risk undermining the prospects for the resumption of negotiations must be avoided.” He reiterates his concern regarding the situation in the fenced-off area of Varosha, recalling resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992) and stressing that “the position of the United Nations on this matter remains unchanged.”
“I call on all parties to engage in dialogue aimed at resolving their differences,” he says.
He condemns restrictions on UNFICYP’s freedom of movement in Varosha and Strovilia, reiterating that “the Mission’s mandate is not confined to the buffer zone but extends to the entire island.”
The Secretary General also expresses concern over divisive narratives and the impact of disinformation, which “erodes trust and undermines efforts toward a common future,” urging leaders to give voice to civil society. He welcomes the establishment of a new Technical Committee on Youth and affirms that “youth groups continue to be active agents of peace.”
Despite the UN’s persistent calls, progress toward greater equality and cooperation remains inadequate. The full implementation of the Green Line Regulation and the opening of four new crossing points, as agreed in Geneva, are described as necessary steps.
In closing, the Secretary General expresses gratitude to the European Commission and other partners, including the United Nations Development Programme and the Committee on Missing Persons, for their contributions to the implementation of meaningful confidence-building measures.
In the reports the UNSG notes that military and civilian violations were recorded at an alarming frequency. “Military violations by both sides remain a matter of concern”. 133 cases are documented (78 by the National Guard and 55 by Turkish Forces), down from 227 in the previous period. The Secretary-General warns that “such violations undermine the authority of the United Nations” and contribute to the militarization of the buffer zone.
The SG says that the Pyla arrangement “remains stalled since November 2023,” with “no progress in implementation.”
About Vaarosha the SG’s report records the installation of 18 new surveillance cameras in the fenced-off area, bringing the total to 53 since 2020. “The United Nations continues to consider the Government of Türkiye responsible for the situation in Varosha”, the report says.
Cyprus registered a 42% decrease in asylum applications (6,777 in 2024 compared to 11,617 in 2023). The Secretary-General attributes this to a “deterrence policy, especially at sea and along the Green Line.”
The reports also noted that the Committee on Missing Persons exhumed the remains of 17 individuals. Out of 2,002 officially registered missing persons, 1,054 have been identified.
Finally, the report warns that UNFICYP is facing “a severe financial crisis,” with $20.9 million in unpaid assessed contributions and 9 per cent of civilian posts vacant. These constraints “compromise the timely and safe implementation of the mandate” and have led to delays in security infrastructure projects and the suspension of training.
The UNSG urges the guarantor powers, Greece, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom, to contribute constructively and reaffirms his commitment to maintaining dialogue with all sides, guided by relevant Security Council resolutions.
( Source: CNA)
