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Maria Michael, Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, underscored the critical role of peacekeeping operations amidst global challenges to peace and security during a recent open session of the UN Security Council. She highlighted the longstanding significance of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in maintaining the ceasefire and regional stability. However, Michael warned that the success of these operations is now at risk due to the acceptance of faits accomplis on the ground.
Michael emphasized the need to enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions through initiatives such as the Action for Peacekeeping and the New Agenda for Peace. She noted that Cyprus, hosting one of the longest-running peacekeeping missions globally, fully understands the necessity of a UN force to prevent the resumption of conflicts amid evolving challenges.
The continued occupation of over one-third of Cyprus by Turkey and ongoing violations of Cypriot sovereignty and territorial integrity by the occupying forces, in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, underscore this necessity, she added.
Michael asserted that the mandate of UNFICYP, as agreed by Cyprus, aims to support the UN Charter, implement relevant Security Council resolutions, and prevent the entrenchment of aggressive actions. This includes contributing to the restoration of legality and returning to normal conditions.
She warned that the mission’s success is jeopardized by the acceptance of faits accomplis on the ground. Ensuring the impartiality of peacekeeping operations is crucial, as is adherence to the principles of the Charter, distinguishing victims from aggressors, and ending any attempts to alter the status and deployment of forces. Transparent and genuine cooperation with the host state is essential.
In the current global geopolitical context, it is imperative for the UN and especially the Security Council to demonstrate consistent application of the Charter. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of states under attack must be defended, regardless of the aggressor or the passage of time. The Security Council must uphold its own resolutions to maintain the credibility of the international system.
[Information sourced from CNA]
