The UNFICYP mandate renewal proceeds today as the UN Security Council votes on extending the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
President Nikos Christodoulides said yesterday that Pakistan submitted comments to the Security Council that do not favour Cyprus, breaking the silent procedure traditionally used for the resolution.
Delay in vote and ongoing consultations
The vote, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed to Friday due to a lack of consensus. President Christodoulides noted that Pakistan’s intervention broke the silent procedure, adding: “It submitted comments. This has happened before, and consultations will continue.”
When asked about the nature of the comments, he only said they were “not positive for us,” highlighting Pakistan’s current role as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. Greece also holds a non-permanent seat during this term.
Secretary-General’s report and concerns
UN Secretary-General António Guterres recommended renewing the UNFICYP mission for 12 months, until 31 January 2027. His report expressed concern over “violations following the construction of military facilities” inside and around the buffer zone, which aim to permanently alter the military status quo, and the situation in the fenced-off Varosha area.
Guterres also noted a cautious new momentum in the Cyprus issue, citing the new Turkish Cypriot leader’s assumption of duties and increased engagement between leaders, which “rekindled hope for a window of opportunity to advance the Cyprus settlement.”
UNFICYP’s role in maintaining stability
The Secretary-General emphasized that the mission “plays a key role in de-escalating low-level tensions and safeguarding the integrity of the buffer zone.” He warned, however, that UNFICYP’s effectiveness remains limited “without the full cooperation of both sides.”
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