UNFICYP draft still open ahead of crucial vote

Consultations on UNFICYP’s mandate are still ongoing one day prior to a crucial vote in New York, with reports not ruling out possible a postponement.

According to CNA News Agency, sources say consultations are expected to last through Wednesday on the precise content of the UNFICYP draft resolution, which is expected to pass unanimously in the UN Security Council.

But there is a possibility that some disagreements over wording in the document could possibly delay or even postpone the vote for UNFICYP’s mandate, which has been renewed every six months for the last five decades.

Sources say some changes to the text have already been presented on Monday, but the draft resolution proposal still remained open as of Tuesday night. 

“If there is no agreement during morning consultations, it is possible that Thursday’s scheduled open debate leading up to a vote could be postponed.”

Nicosia has been in contact with foreign capitals of all five permanent members on the Security Council – USA, Britain, France, China, Russia, in an effort to secure support for the continuation of the UNFICYP mission.

But the US has put forward a series of criteria concerning peace keeping missions around the world, including UN Security Council mandate renewal resolutions.

Those criteria mainly have to do with the peace keeping missions serving the purpose of the political process and providing an exit strategy, but it remains unclear whether new terms could affect Cyprus.