UN Secretary-General encourages Cyprus leaders to be open to dialogue

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he will continue to encourage the two leaders in Cyprus to be open to mutually acceptable modalities for dialogue as this remains crucial for finding a way forward, in his report on his mission of good offices in Cyprus.

In his report on the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), he refers to a significant increase in the number and severity of military violations as regards the buffer zone and the ceasefire lines.

The two reports, that cover developments from 13 June to 12 December 2023, were released on January 10, 2024 as official documents of the UN Security Council.

Guterres, in his good offices report, notes that, while the underlying positions of the parties on the peace process remain far apart, he will continue to encourage the two leaders to be open to mutually acceptable modalities for dialogue at their level, “as I believe this remains crucial for finding a way forward”. Meaningful initiatives or gestures are also critical for creating momentum towards dialogue and building trust, he notes.

The coming reporting period will mark several sobering anniversaries related to Cyprus, including the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations peacekeeping and good offices activities in Cyprus, he said. The UNSG notes that the United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue, but adds that, “it becomes clearer with every passing year that the divide between the sides is growing, gradually eroding the prospects of finding a mutually acceptable political settlement.”

Guterres is encouraging the two leaders and their representatives to discuss, agree and implement mutually acceptable confidence-building measures that can contribute to an environment more conducive to a settlement.

He also notes that he has repeatedly stressed the importance of the parties refraining from taking unilateral action both in and adjacent to the buffer zone that could raise tensions, while also calling upon all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.

He reiterates his concern over developments in the fenced-off area of Varosha and notes that the position of the UN on Varosha remains unchanged, while recalling the decisions of the Security Council on the matter, notably its resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992). Guterres underscores the importance of adhering fully to those resolutions.

The UNSG encourages all the guarantor powers to urge the two leaders in Cyprus to engage in dialogue to seek a mutually acceptable way forward on the Cyprus issue and urges the parties to make sincere efforts towards exploring options for sustainable energy cooperation in and around the island that may benefit all parties, and refrain from taking action that could increase tensions.