The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its satisfaction with the adoption by the Security Council of the Resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus for another 12 months, namely until January 31, 2024. The Council will continue to be informed every six months both on the Good Offices Mission as well as on the Peacekeeping Force, through the relevant Reports of the UN Secretary-General.
It is recalled that the aforementioned Resolution, together with Resolution 186/1964, constitute the institutional guide for the presence of UNFICYP in Cyprus, both of which refer to the legally binding obligations of the parties involved in relation to the Cyprus problem. Specifically, the Resolution reaffirms the agreed basis for the solution of the Cyprus problem which is none other than the Bizonal Bicommunal Federation with political equality, as specified in the relevant Resolutions of the Organization. It highlights the provisions of Resolution 1251, which refers to one state of Cyprus with one sovereignty, one citizenship and one international personality.
Extremely important provisions are the references concerning the issue of the fenced-off area of Varosha, according to which the Security Council calls on Turkey to proceed with the reversal of illegal actions and to respect Resolutions 550 and 789 as well as the presidential statements of the Security Council when the issue of Famagusta was the subject of special meetings of the Council. The Resolution expresses the Security Council's deep regret over Turkey's non-compliance with its previous appeals, while warning that any new unilateral action within the fenced-off area will prompt a response from the Security Council.
The Resolution reiterates the Security Council's strong support for the Secretary-General's effort to revitalize the talks process and includes reinforced references to the need to reach an agreement on the appointment of a United Nations Envoy tasked with assisting the effort to restart negotiations. References in relation to the issue of violations in the Eastern Mediterranean are maintained and it is emphasized that disputes must be resolved peacefully in accordance with applicable international law. It also calls for the avoidance of actions that could harm efforts for a solution, which is a strong message to Turkey.
The Resolution also includes references to the need to promote confidence-building measures and the importance of the participation of women, youth and civil society in general in the peace process, to further strengthen economic cooperation and to end the political obstacles which delay or impede progress in important initiatives such as education. In this regard, special mention is made to the "Imagine" program, and the Turkish-Cypriot side's decision to suspend its participation in the program is severely criticized.
The Security Council calls for the restoration of the status quo in Strovilia and highlights Turkey's responsibility for this violation. Important references to the issue of missing persons and the need to accelerate efforts, especially access to records to assist the work of the Committee on Missing Persons, are also retained.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its satisfaction and thanks the member countries of the Security Council involved for the effectiveness of the diplomatic deliberations among us in recent weeks, which resulted in the unanimous adoption of the Resolution.