“Over time, efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution in Cyprus continue to complicate matters,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a report submitted to the Security Council on developments in the Cyprus issue from June 19, 2021. on December 15, 2021.
“I note with concern that, during this recent period, the positions of the communities appear to have been further consolidated and further spaced,” said the head of the international body, who noted that he was still guided by the relevant resolutions. Security Council adopted by the United Nations.
Among other things, the UN Secretary General calls on the two leaders and their representatives to work together for Confidence Building Measures and to continue to revitalize the work of the Technical Committees in order to have a positive impact on the daily lives of Cypriots, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2587 (2021).
“I urge leaders and their representatives to go beyond the current challenges, including those related to terminology, and instead provide practical and political support and guidance to all committees in order to enable its full revitalization. their project. “These dialogue and rapprochement mechanisms are of particular importance and can, in the absence of fully developed negotiations, rekindle the public's hope that progress can indeed be made between the parties.”
He adds that the continuing absence of substantive negotiations and the position of the parties on the basis of a solution to the Cyprus problem has begun to affect the work of the technical committees. He added that despite the Security Council's appeals to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to provide the necessary political support and comprehensive guidance to free the technical committees from obstacles in their work and to be able to function effectively, decisions on activities and projects proposed by the committees, in some cases, began to reflect the lack of common ground for peace talks.
It also notes the danger that “the deepening differences between the two economies will begin to erode the basis for significant convergences achieved in the past” and refers to the need for more coordinated efforts to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and other factors. while promoting greater economic ties and increased trade between the two sides.
He reiterated his concern about developments in the fenced-in area of Varos, noting that “the United Nations position on Varos remains unchanged. It also recalled the Presidential Declaration and the relevant Council resolutions, in particular Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992), stressing the importance of full compliance with those resolutions.
Antonio Guterres also states in his report that he is concerned about the growing tensions in and around Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, while he says that the natural resources on the island and around it should be beneficial and of the two communities, being a strong incentive for the parties to find a mutually acceptable and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem. “I urge all parties to show restraint and make every effort to defuse tensions,” he said.
“I urge leaders to look to the future with pragmatism,” he said, referring to written briefings by President Nikos Anastasiadis and Turkish President Ersin Tatar, which are attached to the report. they remain very different from each other “.
The continuing lack of political progress has important implications for all Cypriots, Antonio Guterres continues, and calls on all parties to refrain from any actions that are unhelpful and to actively seek solutions through dialogue.
“Without decisive action, the continuing dynamics in and around Cyprus and the election timetables could make future efforts to reach a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem impossible,” he said.
He also said that showing flexibility and firm political will on the part of the parties was “of the utmost importance”, while urging them to make a constructive commitment to finding common ground with a view to resuming meaningful peace talks. “A United Nations envoy who will lead this commitment could provide crucial support in this regard,” he said.
He also referred to the importance of the active participation of all Cypriots in shaping the future of the country and called on the guarantor forces to do everything they can to support the efforts for the final settlement of the Cyprus problem.
Regarding the pandemic, the Secretary-General welcomes the regular exchange of epidemiological data and the coordination within the Technical Health Committee on measures to reduce COVID-1`9. It notes, however, that despite the harmonization of measures and the adjustment of restrictions at crossing points, significant challenges remain, including the proportional transposition of approved vaccines from the European Union. He said that while discussions were ongoing on giving Turkish Cypriots full and equal access to the European Union's COVID digital certificate, progress had been slow and more efforts were needed as a matter of priority.
It also encourages the parties to follow international best practices regarding the participation of women in the conflict resolution decision-making process, as outlined in Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), and called for women to be included in at least 30% in future delegations. who will take part in conversations. Elsewhere in his Good Services report, Antonio Guterres referred to the Security Council's call for an action plan to increase women's participation in peace talks, and said that the Technical Committee for Gender Equality had reached a convergence.
It also reiterates the Security Council 's support for greater citizen participation and confidence – building and urges leaders to encourage closer contact and co – operation between the two communities. Notes that leaders should aim for a more comprehensive peace process, in line with recent international best practices, and involve sub-represented groups, including women, minorities, young people and people with disabilities, in discussions on the Cyprus issue; and in peace talks in case they are repeated.
He also said that while the draft recommendations were essentially welcomed by the two leaders, unfortunately, the UN Secretary-General said, no agreement had been reached on a joint action plan at the request of the UN, with both sides submitting their own. version of the plan on 15 December.
Source: KYPE
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