AKEL on the UN Security Council resolution for the renewal of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus mandate
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 30th January 2020, Nicosia
The UN Security Council resolution that is expected to be approved today concerns the renewal of the UNFICYP (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) mandate, but it also includes very important references and messages with regards the Cyprus problem. Among other things, the resolution welcomes the Berlin meeting and stresses that the commitment was reaffirmed to a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 716, the 2014 Joint Declaration, the previous convergences agreed and the Framework of UN Secretary General A.Guterres of 30th June.
In addition, the resolution refers to the need for a conclusion on the terms of reference as a starting point for a resumption of negotiations with a sense of urgency, negotiations which should be meaningful and result-oriented. It also calls on the two leaders to refrain from any actions or rhetoric that negatively affect the success of the procedure.
In paragraphs 5 and 6 specific steps are set out that the two leaders are expected to take in order to achieve a viable and comprehensive solution. Indeed, the resolution encourages them to submit written briefings to the Secretary General’s mission of good services as regards their implementation. These will be included in the Report that the Secretary General is called upon to submit on 10th July on his good services.
Three points of the resolution are of particular concern. Firstly, equal distances are once again taken on the issues relating to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Secondly, the reference to direct military contacts between the two sides and the interested parties about which he calls on UNFICYP to submit relevant proposals. Thirdly, in the proposed Confidence Building Measures proposed economic cooperation and trade are included more specifically, something which raises concerns about bringing back the approaches for direct trade.
In conclusion, while nothing substantive can be expected before the voting process in the occupied territories, the resolution calls for an immediate improvement in the atmosphere, as well as substantial preparation for the resumption of the negotiation procedure. If relevant satisfactory briefings are not given by 10th July, there are serious dangers looming, including the apparent intention for an upgrading of the pseudo-state from an illegal to a non-recognized entity. This will make it even more difficult to prevent definitive partition. The President of the Republic must listen to the increasingly specific messages being conveyed and to change course immediately.
