The Security Council – acting unanimously today – decided to renew for another year the long-standing United Nations peacekeeping presence in Cyprus, while stressing the need to avoid any unilateral actions that could raise tensions on the island and undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement.
Adopting resolution 2723 (2024) (to be issued as document ) with all 15 members voting in favour, the Council expressed its full support for the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) – which was first deployed in 1964 – and decided to extend its mandate until 31 January 2025.
It welcomed the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy – María Angela Holguín Cuéllar, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia – to assume a good offices role on his behalf, encouraging the sides to engage constructively with the Envoy in the search for common ground with the goal of returning to formal negotiations for a lasting settlement in Cyprus. The country has been without an Envoy since the resignation of Ms. Holguín Cuéllar’s predecessor in September 2021.
Recalling its press statement (Press Release ) of 21 August 2023 which condemns the assaults against UN peacekeepers and damage to UN vehicles by Turkish Cypriot personnel near Pyla/Pile on 18 August 2023, the Council welcomed the Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s engagement with all parties to reach an understanding regarding arrangements for the Pyla/Pile plateau and urged all parties concerned to work constructively with UNFICYP to implement it.
Stressing that the status quo is unsustainable, the Council strongly urged the sides to respect UNFICYP’s mandated authority in and delineation of the Buffer Zone, respect its integrity and inviolability, remove all unauthorized constructions and prevent unauthorized military or civilian activities within and along the ceasefire lines.
Also by the text, the Council expressed concern at the deteriorating situation in Pyla, urging both sides to continue to work with UNFICYP to establish effective measures to tackle criminal activities.
Relatedly, the Council expressed deep regret about the continuation of unilateral actions that run contrary to its previous resolutions on Varosha – the southern quarter of the Famagusta – as well as the continuing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, underlining that disputes should be resolved peacefully.
Additionally, the Council requested the Secretary-General to submit two reports, by 4 July 2024 and 3 January 2025 respectively, on his good offices, in particular on progress towards reaching a consensus starting point for meaningful results-oriented negotiations leading to a settlement.
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