Today, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). In the resolution, the Council expressed its full support for UNFICYP – first deployed in 1964 – and decided to extend its mandate until 31 January 2025. Mission’s core mandate and tasks remain intact.  

Slovenia welcomes the adoption of a resolution highlighting the need for further progress towards restarting formal negotiations for a lasting settlement in Cyprus. We support the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy María Angela Holguín Cuéllar to search for common ground on the way forward as the lack of agreement intensifies political tensions and deepens the differences between the two sides.

We called for de-escalation of tensions in and around the Buffer Zone and emphasized the integrity of the UNFICYP mission as well as unacceptability of the attacks on UN peacekeepers last August. Slovenia together with other members advocated for full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the youth in the settlement process by recalling Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 2250 (2015). It is an important factor in establishing mutual trust between the two parties.

The political process in Cyprus has been a central focus of UNFICYP’s mandate renewal negotiations. In the resolution, the UN Security Council welcomed the Secretary-General’s ongoing efforts to reach common ground in formal negotiations and urging the sides to renew efforts for a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions, including paragraph 4 of the resolution 716 (1991).

Council welcomed the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to assume a good offices role on his behalf and to further encourage the two sides to engage constructively with the envoy in the search for common ground.

Council noted the need for further progress towards restarting formal negotiations. Also stressing that the status quo is unsustainable, that the situation on the ground is not static, and that the lack of an agreement deepens the estrangement of both communities, and reduces the prospects of a settlement.

Council urged both sides and all involved parties to take steps to de-escalate tensions in and around the Buffer Zone, underlying the importance of respect for the integrity of the Buffer Zone and UNFICYP’s mandated authority therein.

It further affirmed its intention to continue to monitor the situation in Cyprus closely and noted its readiness to review the implementation of today’s resolution after six months, as well as to consider any adjustments or other action as needed.

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