The passage of time continues to complicate efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution in Cyprus, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says in his good offices report submitted to the Security Council on developments in the Cyprus problem from 19 June 2021 to 15 December 2021.
"I note with concern that, during this recent period, the positions of communities seem to have become further entrenched and more divisive," says the head of the international organization, who notes that he continues to be guided by relevant Security Council resolutions that have established UN parameters.
Among other things, the UN Secretary-General calls in his report on the two leaders and their representatives to work together on Confidence Building Measures and to continue to revitalize the work of the Technical Committees to have a positive impact on the daily lives of Cypriots, also in line with Security Council resolution 2587 (2021).
It also notes the risk that "deepening differences between the two economies may begin to erode the basis for important convergences achieved in the past" and refers to the need for more concerted efforts to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
It also reiterates its concern over developments in the Barossa fenced area, noting that "the United Nations position on Barossa remains unchanged. At the same time, it recalls the presidential statement as well as the relevant Council resolutions, in particular resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992), stressing the importance of full compliance with these resolutions.
Furthermore, Antonio Guterres states in his report that he is concerned about the growing tensions in and around Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, and says that the natural resources on and around the island should be to the benefit of both communities, providing a strong incentive for the parties to find a mutually acceptable and viable solution to the Cyprus problem. "I call for restraint from all parties and urge a serious effort to de-escalate tensions," he said.
"I encourage the leaders to look to the future with pragmatism," the Head of the international organization notes, referring to the written briefings of President Nicos Anastasiades and T/C leader Ersin Tatar attached to the report, noting that "the positions of the parties remain very different from each other."
The continued lack of political progress has important implications for all Cypriots, Antonio Guterres continued, calling on all parties to refrain from any unhelpful actions and to actively seek solutions through dialogue.
"Without decisive action, the ongoing dynamics in and around Cyprus and electoral timetables could render future efforts to reach a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem unfeasible," he says.
It also says that the projection of flexibility and firm political will by the parties is "of utmost importance" and urges them to engage constructively in finding common ground with a view to resuming meaningful peace talks. "A United Nations envoy to lead this engagement could provide critical support in this regard," it notes.
It further refers to the importance of the active participation of all Cypriots in shaping the future of the country and calls on the guarantor powers to do their utmost to support efforts towards a final settlement of the Cyprus problem.
Regarding the pandemic, the SG welcomes the regular exchange of epidemiological data and coordination within the Technical Committee on Health on measures to contain COVID-19.
He also encourages parties to follow international best practices on the participation of women in the decision-making process for conflict resolution, as highlighted in Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), and called for the inclusion of women in at least 30 per cent of future delegations participating in talks.
Elsewhere in his good offices report, Antonio Guterres refers to the Security Council's call for the drafting of an action plan to increase the participation of women in peace talks and says the Technical Committee on Gender Equality reached a consensus
While the draft recommendations were essentially welcomed by both leaders, unfortunately, says the UN Secretary-General, no agreement was reached on a joint action plan on the basis of the UNSC request, with both sides submitting their own version of the draft on 15 December.
Source: CNA
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