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The focus of the Special Representative's mission to Cyprus is to build trust and respect between the two communities, he told the Security Council.
According to what Colin Stewart explained to UN Security Council members at yesterday's three-hour session on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' reports on his Good Offices Mission and UNFICYP , the focus of the mission now is on building trust and respect between the two communities and then creating a better environment for peace-building on the island. This was stated last night at a press conference by Norway's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of January, Odd-Inge Kvalheim.
Security Council members in closed-door consultations on UNFICYP welcomed the appointment of Mr. Stewart to his new duties and engaged in an open exchange of views on the situation, as detailed in the Secretary-General's two recent reports.
They also acknowledge the challenging situation on the ground , as described in the report and call on both sides to respect and abide by the relevant Security Council resolutions, including allowing UNFICYP an unhindered opportunity to fulfil its mandate. Members also noted their concern about the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, recognizing the negative socio-economic impact the virus has had on the island.
Council members look forward to the renewal of UNFICYP's mandate before 31 January. The adoption of the resolution on the renewal of UNFICYP's mandate is scheduled for 27 January.
Strong concern and condemnation over Varosha
Asked by a Cyprus News Agency reporter about the sense of inadequate response from the UN on the issue of Varosha, Mr. Kvalheim replied that many Council Members had commented on the issue, and that the Security Council was monitoring the situation very closely. There was also some criticism of some of the measures taken on the ground on this issue.
According to information reported by the Cyprus News Agency, during the session, Mr. Stewart assured the members of the SC that the SG remains committed to the UN parameters, the appointment of an envoy and efforts to resume talks. During the discussion, both Mr. Stewart and the members of the CoC, strong concern and condemnation was expressed about the situation in Varosha and it was reported that UNFICYP members were being obstructed in Varosha by the Turks.
It was also reaffirmed that the status quo on the Cyprus problem is not acceptable as well as the Organization's commitment to the basis of the Cyprus solution.
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