Record violations in buffer zone and growing distrust, UN report says

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday released his reports on the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and his Good Offices mission on the island.

In his report on UNFICYP, Guterres highlighted a record number of violations in the buffer zone by both sides, while stressing the importance of avoiding unilateral actions outside the buffer zone that could escalate tensions and undermine the prospects for resuming talks.

He urged both parties to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.

Guterres’ report on his Good Offices notes that activities within and around the buffer zone have contributed to a rise in mistrust and have negatively impacted the current situation.

He then pointed out that the increasing militarisation on both sides contradicts the leaders’ statements expressing a desire to move the Cyprus problem forward.

Guterres underlined the importance of the work of the technical committees and the positive impact that confidence-building measures could have.

The report continued by saying that “only genuine progress towards achieving consensus on the starting point for negotiations leading to a mutually acceptable settlement will reassure both Cypriots and the international community that a peaceful and shared future on the island remains truly attainable.”

Finally, it called for renewed efforts to reduce tensions and foster dialogue, as well as for both sides to demonstrate a commitment to moving forward with the peace process.