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- Ελληνικά
I have the honour to represent the Republic of Cyprus at the United Nations (UN) Ministerial Meeting on Peacekeeping Operations taking place in Accra. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Government of Ghana and the United Nations Secretariat for organizing this important Summit.
First of all, allow me to pay tribute on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to all UN personnel, men and women, who have served and are serving as peacekeepers around the world, including Cyprus, to achieve conditions of peace and stability.
We are at a critical geopolitical juncture, facing complex and multifaceted challenges that threaten international peace and security. In the current conditions of geopolitical turmoil and instability, UN Peacekeeping Operations play a vital role.
The Republic of Cyprus recognizes the necessity and invaluable contribution of the United Nations in the field of peacekeeping through Peacekeeping Missions.
As one of the oldest peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is a key factor in maintaining the ceasefire on the island, preventing escalation and tensions, and protecting civilians.
The continued occupation of part of the Cypriot territory and the continuous challenges to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, culminating in the recent violations within the buffer zone by the Turkish occupying army, make UNFICYP's presence in Cyprus necessary for the maintenance of peace and stability.
The terms of reference of UNFICYP, as agreed by the Republic of Cyprus, are aimed at respecting the United Nations Charter and implementing the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
In addition to hosting the peacekeeping force, Cyprus provides access to facilities and infrastructure to support peacekeepers' pre-deployment training, as well as to facilitate the military mobility of UN operations.
Cyprus supports the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. We welcome efforts to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping operations and processes.
UNFICYP in Cyprus was the first UN peacekeeping force to appoint a female Commander and to have female Heads of its three Departments: the Civilian Department and the Military and Police Forces.
In this context, in response to the invitation of this Ministerial Meeting to strengthen the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, Cyprus is committed to organize and host the following trainings:
- Basic demining training,
- seminars to enhance women's participation in the framework of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and
- trainings in Search and Rescue, including MEDEVAC operations
Honourable Speakers,
The Republic of Cyprus will remain a strong supporter of United Nations peacekeeping operations, recognizing their valuable contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability.
In conclusion, let me once again thank the Government and people of Ghana for their warm hospitality.
Thank you.
(ΘΘ/ΑΦ)
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