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The United Nations Security Council has approved a one-year extension of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), with the mission now set to continue until 31 January 2027. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favour, while Pakistan and Somalia abstained.
In adopting the text, the Council reaffirmed the United Nations’ long-standing commitment to a comprehensive, fair, and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue. It cautioned that maintaining the current situation on the island is not sustainable and could lead to irreversible developments that would further undermine prospects for a negotiated solution.
The resolution stresses that political stagnation and the absence of an agreed framework have heightened tensions and widened the divide between the two communities. According to the Council, these conditions increase the risk of permanent changes on the ground that could complicate or even foreclose future compromise.
Negotiations and drafting process
Although support for UNFICYP’s work remains broad within the Council, negotiations on this year’s mandate renewal were more complex than in previous years. Differences emerged among members on several substantive issues, prompting extended consultations.
The United Kingdom, which serves as the penholder on Cyprus-related matters, circulated the initial draft resolution in mid-January and convened formal discussions shortly thereafter. Following two rounds of revisions and written feedback, a third draft was placed under silence procedure. That process was interrupted after Pakistan raised objections, leading to further amendments. A final version, known as the “blue text”, was subsequently agreed and put to a vote.
Mandate continuity with updated emphasis
The adopted resolution maintains the core responsibilities and objectives of UNFICYP as set out in last year’s mandate, without altering the mission’s fundamental role. However, it introduces updated language to reflect evolving political and operational realities on the ground.
The Council once again underscored that any settlement must be based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, in line with existing Security Council resolutions. It also reiterated that the primary responsibility for reaching a solution lies with the Cypriots themselves, while affirming the central role of the United Nations in facilitating progress.
Special recognition is given to the continued engagement of the UN Secretary-General and his team, including his Personal Envoy for Cyprus. At France’s initiative, the resolution adds a new provision urging all parties to cooperate actively and constructively with the UN leadership and mediation efforts.
Dialogue, confidence-building, and civil society
The Council welcomed the recent increase in dialogue between the two sides, as well as the outcomes of informal meetings held in expanded formats. Leaders are encouraged to provide stronger political backing and guidance to the technical committees, with the aim of improving their effectiveness and advancing confidence-building initiatives.
Progress already achieved, including the establishment of a Technical Committee on Youth, is acknowledged, while leaders are urged to accelerate work on remaining confidence-building measures. Particular emphasis is placed on opening additional crossing points and creating mechanisms that allow for meaningful involvement of civil society in the peace process.
Security concerns and buffer zone violations
Security developments featured prominently in the Council’s deliberations. The resolution condemns ongoing violations of the military status quo along the ceasefire lines, including reported incursions into the buffer zone, unauthorized construction, and the deployment of military surveillance equipment by both sides.
The Council reaffirmed the inviolability of the buffer zone and called for the removal of all unauthorized structures. It also urged the parties to respect UNFICYP’s freedom of movement across the island and to take concrete steps to reduce tensions in and around the neutral area.
Concern was also expressed over the blurring of civilian and military functions, which the Council warned could further destabilize conditions on the ground.
Socioeconomic disparities and prospects for peace
One of the more sensitive issues during negotiations involved language addressing socioeconomic inequality between the two communities. Building on earlier UN assessments, the resolution notes that widening economic disparities risk deepening alienation and could negatively affect the chances of achieving a settlement.
To counter this trend, the Council encourages initiatives that promote economic interaction and meaningful contacts between the communities, including intra-Cypriot trade and broader engagement at the societal level.
Varosha, Pyla, and humanitarian issues
The resolution reiterates the Council’s established position on Varosha, expressing regret over continued unilateral actions and calling for their immediate reversal. It warns that further steps inconsistent with existing resolutions could trigger a response from the Security Council.
Regarding Pyla, the Council noted that agreed arrangements remain unimplemented and called for renewed cooperation with UNFICYP as a confidence-building measure.
Humanitarian concerns also feature prominently. The Council stressed the importance of full compliance with international law in the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees and welcomed the ongoing work of the Committee on Missing Persons, urging full cooperation and the depoliticization of its activities. It also renewed support for efforts to clear remaining mine-affected areas, advancing the goal of a mine-free Cyprus.
Oversight and reporting
Finally, the Security Council confirmed that it will continue to monitor developments in Cyprus closely. It requested two detailed reports from the Secretary-General during the mandate period, providing assessments of both progress on the ground and the overall performance of UNFICYP.
