UN secretary-general’s representative in Cyprus responisibiities

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The incident involving the death of a young man from Pakistan has once again highlighted the concerning rate of crimes facilitated through the “buffer zone.”

As investigative journalists and official sources confirm, the so-called “buffer zone,” particularly in the areas of the villages of Dali, Potamia, and Louroutzina, is exploited by various criminals. These include smugglers involved in trafficking people, drugs, illegal migrants, weapons, and even animals from the occupied territories to the free areas of the Republic. The “buffer zone,” which Colin Stewart appears to regard as his personal domain, has been described as a “hole” where smugglers and criminals operate freely (see article by F. Makridis in Phileleftheros, 8 January 2025).

What actions has the UN Secretary-General’s representative undertaken, within the scope of his mandate, to prevent the entry of these criminal elements into the buffer zone? Instead, he seems preoccupied with poor farmers wishing to cultivate their lands. Why does he consistently fail to report Turkey’s illegal and provocative actions in his reports? Such actions include recent statements by Turkey’s former intelligence chief and current Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan.

Amid the volatile situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Ankara has carried out yet another provocative act in Cyprus with the illegal visit of Hakan Fidan to the Turkish-occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus. Through his statements, Fidan sent messages regarding Turkey’s positions on the resolution of the Cyprus issue. He reiterated Turkey’s longstanding demand that we recognise the “realities” created by the occupying power in Cyprus over the past fifty years. As the self-proclaimed “guardian” of Turkish Cypriots, he called on Greek Cypriots to cooperate with them as “two states.”

Fidan also claimed that seeking a solution based on a formula not accepted by Turkey is a waste of time. He demands the victims of the invasion and occupation legitimise Turkey’s illegal actions and violations of international law. Regarding the upcoming informal meeting, he advocates a quadrilateral format involving Turkey, Greece, the pseudo-state, and the Greek Cypriot side. These provocative statements come at a sensitive time when efforts are being made to resume negotiations.

It is these provocative actions and positions by Turkey and their local puppet, Ersin Tatar, as well as the continued occupation and violation of the human rights of the Cypriot people, that the author of the UN Secretary-General’s biannual reports, Colin Stewart—or anyone in his role—should be documenting. Appointed under a mandate defined by the United Nations’ most important body, the Security Council, Stewart’s reports are increasingly deviating from the core issue, whitewashing Ankara’s actions, and subtly aligning with Turkish positions. Reports about minor incidents involving citizens, which verge on the absurd when compared to the Turkish military’s aggression, serve no purpose other than to provoke frustration and ridicule among readers.

As for Stewart’s remarks about divisive rhetoric from the Greek Cypriot side during sombre anniversaries, such comments provoke nothing but anger among the victims of Turkey’s invasion and expansionism. The message being sent is clear: this people will never accept the faits accomplis of the Turkish invasion. They seek only the implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Ambassador (retired)

Feature photo source: neilhallphoto.com

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