Press release on behalf of the Bi-communal Technical Committee on Education

NICOSIA, 2 June 2017 - The pilot application of the joint education project IMAGINE, taking place under the auspices of the Bi-Communal Technical Committee of Education and implemented by the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) and the Home for Cooperation (H4C) has just been successfully completed on June 2, 2017. The pilot phase of IMAGINE, which was supported by the United Nations, took place in May with the participation of 160 primary school children ages 9-12, coming from 4 Turkish Cypriot and 4 Greek Cypriot schools. The Coordinators of the Bi-communal Technical Committee on Education, Mr. Michalinos Zembylas and Ms Meltem Onurkan Samani, attended the closing event at the H4C.

Grounded in a holistic understanding of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence, the project was implemented in two stages: in the first stage, experienced trainers visited the participating groups of students in both communities to facilitate activities that dealt with stereotypes, extremism and intolerance and prepared them for bi-communal contact at the H4C. Then, in the second stage, groups of students from the two communities were paired and met in the buffer zone where they participated in either peace education workshops with the AHDR or sports activities with PeacePlayers International. The project will continue in the following school year (2017-2018) to include more primary and secondary school students from the two educational systems.

NICOSIA, 1 June 2017 – The annual summer edition of the UNFICYP Military Skills Competition, one of the highlights of the military component’s calendar, took place at the United Nations Protected Area on 31 May 2017. The exciting event pits the mission’s sectors against each other in a variety of disciplines that put their military skills to the test. 

UNFICYP Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir’s early morning horn kicked off the day’s events, which were also attended by Head of Mission, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, and Chief of Staff, Col. Tim Wildish. The first discipline, the endurance run, entailed running while carrying 12kg in weight, with contestants also carrying a log for part of the route. Two teams from each Sector and two additional HQ teams from the Mobile Force Reserve (MFR) and the Force Military Police Unit (FMPU) competed in nine disciplines. 

The first three disciplines – the endurance run, UN knowledge and the assault course – were done by teams together; the teams then rotated between the next four stages: cross-country driving, range, incident reaction, command task and map reading and opposing forces recognition. 

At the end of the gruelling challenges, all the teams cooled down with an aquatic assault course in the UN swimming pool. At the conclusion of the event, the Force Commander presented the challenge trophy to the winning Sector 2 team; teams Sector 1A and Sector 1B came second and third respectively. It was a tight competition, with the teams that placed between fourth and sixth place gaining an equal number of final points. 

General Humayun thanked the training cell for yet another highly organised and thrilling Military Skills Competition.

NICOSIA, 15 June 2017 - Today, the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Mr. Andrew Colvin, paid a visit to UNFICYP HQ as the country prepares to end 53 years of valued peacekeeping in Cyprus.

Mr. Colvin, who was joined by Mr. Alan Sweetman, Australia's High Commissioner to Cyprus, met and presented gifts to senior members of the mission, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus & Head of Mission, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, UNFICYP Force Commander, Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir, and Senior Police Advisor, Col. Andrii Sachavo.

On Friday 16 June 2017, Australia's mission with UNFICYP - which began on 26 May 2017 - will officially come to an end with a flag-lowering ceremony at the UN Protected Area in Nicosia.

NICOSIA, 16 June 2017 – On 26 may 1964, 40 intrepid Australian police officers joined UNFICYP, becoming pioneers of peacekeeping and the first of over 1,600 Australian police personnel to serve with UNFICYP over 53 years.

On Friday 16 June 2017, UNFICYP held a flag-lowering ceremony for Australia, paying tribute to the country for its dedication and commitment to furthering the cause of peace in Cyprus. The event was attended by, among others, the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Mr. Andrew Colvin, 
H.E. Mr. Alan Sweetman, Australia's High Commissioner to Cyprus, Ian Hardy and Ronald Cornish - two officers from the first and second Australian contingents to serve with UNFICYP respectively - and numerous other officers who have served with the mission over the years.

Senior UNFICYP officials were also in attendance, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus & Head of Mission, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, UNFICYP Force Commander, Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Senior Police Advisor, Col. Andrii Sachavo, and Mr. Joel Cohen, Chief of Mission Support, among others.

“Australia’s important role in this mission, and the collegiality and professionalism of its police officers, will be sorely missed. At the same time, UNFICYP wishes Australia’s police force continued success as the country focuses its police resources on other challenges and opportunities, both domestically and as a key component of the country’s peacekeeping, stabilisation and capacity-building efforts in its own region,” SRSG Spehar said. “We are also encouraged by the commitment of Australia to offer its assistance to the parties for the development of a future federal police force of a united Cyprus. Yours is a successful model from which Cyprus could surely benefit significantly.”

“Australia has also led by example with respect to one of the mission’s key objectives, and that is to ensure that women are strongly represented among our peacekeepers,” she added. “In fact, when the 28th Australian police contingent landed in Cyprus in 1988, Sgt Kathy Burdett was among them, becoming the first female officer to serve with UNPOL in Cyprus. Today, women make up 18 percent of UNFICYP’s police component, a number we are continuously trying to improve upon as we work towards gender parity in our mission.”

When it was established in 1964, UNFICYP was the first mission to have a civilian police force deployed to provide peacekeeping support. Since then, 111 Australian contingents have served in Cyprus.

“Being Australia's last Contingent Commander to Cyprus is without question the highlight of my career. I feel honoured and humbled, given Australia’s long relationship with Cyprus and the United Nations and knowing how special this Mission has been to many of my Australian colleagues who served before me,” says Australian Contingent Commander, Inspector Bronwyn Carter.
 
Three Australian police officers lost their lives while serving with UNFICYP – Sergeant Llewllyn Thomas from South Australia Police, and Inspector Mark Hackett and Sergeant Ian Ward from the NSW Police Force.  A commemorative service was held in their honour on 15 June 2017.

The Australian Federal Police’s role within UNFICYP has been diverse, and has included work in the UN buffer zone to maintain peace and stability, delivering humanitarian assistance and performing an important liaison role between law enforcement authorities from the north and south.

UNFICYP congratulates and thanks Australia for its honourable service under the UN flag in the cause of peace in Cyprus.

NICOSIA, 22June 2017 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the Bi-communal Choir for Peace in Cyprus, whose members, from both Cypriot communities, share a vision of a re-unified and peaceful island, using the power of music to unite.

SRSG Spehar was inspired by the beautiful music of the choir, and also by its members' unwavering messages in support of peace in Cyprus. UNFICYP has supported the work of the choir since its very first performance was held at Ledra Palace Hotel in the buffer zone in October 1997; the choir has continued to rehearse and perform at the same venue throughout the last two decades.

Congratulations to the Bi-communal Choir for Peace in Cyprus on this important milestone!

NICOSIA, 23 June 2017 - The Commissioner of An Garda Síochána (the Irish police), Nóirín O'Sullivan, paid a visit to UNFICYP HQ today, where she met with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus & Head of Mission, Elizabeth Spehar, and members of the mission's Irish United Nations Police contingent.

The Garda Síochána (Irish police) has contributed to UNPOL in Cyprus since 1993; currently, a contingent of 12 police officers is deployed with UNFICYP.

NICOSIA, 29 June 2017 - On 29 June, a CMP excavation team located the remains of at least one individual in a military area in Deryneia/Derinya. The CMP’s bi-communal excavation teams are continuing excavations at Voni/Gökhan, Bogazi/Boğaz and Kontemenos/ Kılıçarslan which are within military areas, and at Kioneli/Gönyeli, Agia Irini/Akdeniz, Galateia/Mehmetçik, Neo Chorio Kythreas/Minereliköy and Mari/Tatlısu village at Larnaka District.

The CMP would like to reiterate its warmest sympathy to the families of the missing persons and make a plea, once again, to the people of the island to support the Committee’s efforts by calling and providing information regarding the missing persons through the lines: +357 22 400142 (Greek Cypriot Member's Office) and 181 (Turkish Cypriot Member's Office).

More than 5,000 people attended the annual festival in Cyprus' only bi-communal village, Pyla , on 30 June and 1 July, enjoying a smorgasbord of food, drink, entertainment and shopping.

Supported by UNFICYP since its inception in 2015 and by the two local Mukhtars (leaders), Mr. Simon Mitides, the local leader of the Greek Cypriot community, and Mr Nejdet Enver, the local leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, the festival has grown from strength to strength, more than tripling its attendance in the three years it has been in existence.

"People from both sides of the island were present. This is what makes Pyla festival unique," said Therapoulla Kalatha UNFICYP liaison officer in Sector 4. "Our aim is to expand these events from Pyla bicommunal to nationwide bicommunal."

3rd July 2017 marked a special day for 7 Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps Op TOSCA Group, as they received their well-earned United Nations medals in the service of peace, presented by the Force Commander.

7 Regiment Group is supported by elements from a number of different British Military Regiments, including The Royal Army Medical Corps, The Royal Engineers, The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, The Adjutant General Corps, The Royal Air Force and various Royal Logistic Corps Regiments. The Regiment is commanded by Lt Col Steve Cornell.

Speaking at the event, held at Sector 2 HQ, Ledra Palace Hotel, UNFICYP Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir said: “Working within such complex operational environment needs extra ordinary professionalism by every peace keepers. “

“Today’s medal recipients of Sector 2 have accomplished all the operational tasks with distinction. Besides operational tasks, the sector has also arranged numerous social and ceremonial events for the mission,” he added. “There is no doubt that the contributions of Sector 2 have been very significant, and of great value to the mission. Very well done Sector 2, and thank you for your excellent performance.”

Strategy and problem-solving skills were on full display when the second annual Bi-communal Chess Tournament took place at Ledra Palace Hotel in the UN buffer zone. Held during the months of May and June, the tournament brought together about 30 participants from across Cyprus and across age-groups.

The event was organised by the Friends of the Chess Club, led by Mr. Charalambos Zaharoplastis, and supported by UNFICYP, including through the use of the bi-communal rooms at Ledra Palace.

NICOSIA, 10 July 2017 – This Monday, under the setting Cyprus sun, 248 military personnel trooped across the UN flight hangar to receive awards in the service of peace.

Officiating at the event were Head of Mission and Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir; in attendance were mission personnel and members of the diplomatic community in Cyprus.

This year’s Summer Medal Parade marks the 53rd year of Peace Keeping Operations in Cyprus; more than 150,000 blue berets have received their UNFICYP medal since it was introduced in 1964 to recognize a minimum of 90 consecutive day’s duty on operations in Cyprus.

“You face various hazards, and we appreciate the dedication you continue to show in carrying out your duties, including through this summer’s blazing heat wave, through long and isolated stints at observation posts, and over a difficult terrain,” SRSG Spehar said. “Your role on the island, as the keepers of, calm and stability in the buffer zone, and as liaisons between the sides, is now as critical as ever. Be certain that we are grateful for your contributions.”

“I am particularly delighted to note the professionalism shown by the Sectors in manning all the sensitive positions along the Buffer Zone in respective Areas of Operation. In addition, I have noted with great interest your cooperation with other contingents and components in operational, training, and administrative activities,” Force Commander Humayun said at the event. “Let me emphasize that at this critical time of the political process, it is extremely crucial that we remain vigilant all the time and continue to remain focused on our mandated mission.”

The parade involved soldiers from across all 3 Sectors, Force Headquarters and Force Troops Units. The formal element of the parade was concluded by some truly multinational hospitality, with soldiers and guests invited to enjoy some much-needed cold refreshments and taste the delicacies of the countries that continue to support this mission.

17 July 2017 – Between mid-June and the first week of July, UNFICYP Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir conducted an operational evaluation of all the mission’s sectors and troops.

General Humayun’s evaluations started with an in-barracks inspection conducted by the relevant units within UNFICYP HQ, followed by field exercises that tested the response of the units and sectors to various scenarios and their adherence to standard operating procedures. The evaluation primarily ensures the expected standards are being upheld throughout the mission; a secondary purpose is to highlight areas of “best practice” that can be shared with the rest of the Force.

The exercises themselves were overseen by the Force Commander and monitored by the Mission Training Cell in order to identify any shortcomings. 

At the end of this round of inspections, General Humayun expressed his appreciation for the high level of professionalism shown by all members of the mission’s military pillar.

NICOSIA, 18 July 2017 – At the crack of dawn on 7 July, the finest sportsmen and women in UNFICYP’s sectors started a long day of competition for the coveted title of 2017 UNFICYP Champions. Teams from Sectors One, Two, Four, HQ and a combined Force Troops team all participated in the day’s events with gusto, making for an exhilarating day under the summer sun.

In the day’s first event, a football tournament, it looked as if every match would end in a 0-0 draw after the first couple of games; however the Force Troops team broke the deadlock with a convincing 1-0 win over Sector One in the third match. As the mid-morning heat intensified, each of the teams eventually began to score and concede goals, with the Force Troops eventually winning the competition. The highlight of this competition was a penalty shootout between UNFICYP HQ and Sector One in the third place playoff; following two missed penalties by Sector One, UNFICYP HQ overcame their opponents to finish third, with Sector Four finishing second.

With hardly a pause, the event switched locations to the swimming pool area, where the beach volleyball competition – coordinated by Sector Four – and the swimming gala, coordinated by Sector Two, were conducted concurrently. Both events brought out the same competitive, friendly spirit witnessed in the football tournament; this time, Sector One put on a memorable display in the volleyball, winning the tournament, while the Slovak Engineers from the Force Troops were clearly trying to win the best “Top Gun” lookalike team. The swimming gala produced some incredible times, including an astonishing time of 26.56 seconds by Sector One in the 50m Freestyle event. It was however, the UNFICYP HQ team who dominated, winning the 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 50M breaststroke and the swimming gala overall.

After a well-earned lunch break, each of the teams met again to compete in the final event – the swimming pool obstacle course. During this event, six competitors from each team were required to ascend an inflatable assault course and then swim to the end of the pool in a team relay competition; in the second relay, each of the competitors also carried pool floats to make it harder.  This clearly was the highlight of the day, enjoyed not only by the competitors, but also by the spectators who managed to relax in the beautiful Cyprus sun whilst cheering on and often making fun of their teammates and other competitors. After both relay races, the Force Troops team managed to narrowly beat the HQ team’s time to finish with the fastest time, making them champions of that event and the Sports Day champions overall. With some time to spare in the programme, the Force Troops, even managed to undertake – and win! – a third relay of the assault course in order to beat the challenge of the combined Command team (made up from Sector One, Sectors Two, Sector 4, HQ and the Forces Troops’ Commanding Officers and Officers-in-Command .  

Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir officiated at a prize-giving ceremony before the event officially ended. Congratulations to the Force Troops team, and to all the worthy competitors who participated in such an enjoyable contest! Our sincere thanks also go to the organisers for putting on yet another stellar event.

Visit our Facebook page for more images of the day.

NEW YORK, 18 July 2017 – The UN Security Council continues to show very strong support for the Cypriot communities on the island, and for a better future for all Cypriots, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, told the media following a briefing to the Council on the situation in Cyprus on 18 July.

“They in particular expressed support for the work of UNFICYP in terms of maintaining stability and calm in the buffer zone, and supporting a return to normal conditions in Cyprus, including through the mission’s inter-communal work,” said Ms. Spehar, who briefed the Council with the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General (SASG) on Cyprus, Mr. Espen Barth Eide.

SRSG Spehar also noted that a number of Council Members had expressed their interest and desire to see a review of UNFICYP’s operations on the ground, something the mission had taken careful note of. 

In his remarks at the media stakeout, SASG Eide urged all sides to work collectively and to build on the achievements thus far, despite the closure of the Conference on Cyprus without an agreement. He highlighted that the UN would always remain available and at the disposal of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to facilitate the process, noting that the talks are led by the leaders and owned by them.

Also speaking to the media following the briefing, Mr. Liu Jieyi, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, said the Council “expressed their intention to renew the mandate of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus for a further six months.”

SRSG Spehar relayed “the gratitude of UNFICYP as well as the rest of us from the UN in Cyprus for the Council’s continuing unanimous support for our work on the ground."

FAMAGUSTA, 27 July 2017 - One year after the first open meeting, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage returned to Famagusta last night, 27 July 2017, to meet with civil society networks, heritage lovers and experts and engage with them in a constructive dialogue on their ongoing and future projects in Famagusta.

Members of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, its Advisory Board and UNDP presented their work, approaches and expectations in the historical background of the Martinengo Bastion, one of their currently ongoing biggest projects.  

"Since 2012, approx. 3 Million EURO of EUROPEAN UNION funding is being invested in Famagusta’s cultural heritage through UNDP Cyprus in support of projects identified by the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage” – explained Tiziana Zennaro, Senior Programme Manager of the United Nations Development Programme in Cyprus. Ms. Zennaro updated participants on the current status of the partnership between the European Union, UNDP and Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage focusing on the ongoing and future projects.

The Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage’s support to Famagusta started in 2014 with the conservation of the Othello Tower/Citadel and continues today with conservation works to the Martinengo Bastion, Ravelin/Land Gate, and the city-side portion of the Walls between Arsenal and Sea Gate. 

These are three of seven new projects that, thanks to European Union funding and UNDP support, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage is currently carrying out in Famagusta Walled City.

The other ongoing projects are conservation works to: St. Mary Church of Armenians, St Mary Church of Carmel (Carmelite). Conservation works will also start soon at St. Anne Church, and the Mescit of Tabakhane/Tanner’s Mosque (Jacobite Church). 

New designs projects for Canbulat and Seagate were also announced.

Ali Tuncay, Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage Representative, mentioned that “A lot of effort has been exerted to the monuments in Famagusta and a lot has been achieved. Now a new and bigger challenge is ahead of us which is the sustainable maintenance of the monuments. Historic towns like Famagusta always need a special mechanism for the management of the monuments and as the Technical Committee of Cultural Heritage we are ready to contribute to the development of such a plan."

Working together on Famagusta gives the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage the opportunity to develop a joint vision for the walled city. 

This joint vision was the focus of the presentation by Glafkos Constantinides and Naciye Doratli. Introducing the results of a study conducted by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage on the future maintenance and sustainability of the monuments of Famagusta, the two members of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage highlighted the joint responsibility these new investments are bringing on the shoulders of authorities and communities. 

“We want to move from achievements to success” they said, proposing the development of a joint management plan for the monuments of Famagusta.

Last, Ege Uluca Tumer spoke on behalf of the Advisory Board of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage providing insights on the technicalities of the bi-communal work behind these projects.

Participants to the event engaged in a fruitful discussion with the panel members and provided ideas and suggestion for the upcoming opening event of the Martinengo Bastion which is scheduled for September 2017.

 
The Security Council today renewed the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for six months today, while asking the Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review of the mission.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2369 (2017), the Council extended UNFICYP’s mandate until 31 January 2018.  Noting that the most recent Conference on Cyprus had not resulted in a settlement, it called on the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leadership to continue to engage, as a matter of urgency, in consultations with the mission on the demarcation of a buffer zone and on the 1989 aide-mémoire, with a view to reaching early agreement on outstanding issues.

Also by that text, the Council requested that the Secretary-General conduct a review of UNFICYP and make recommendations on how the mission should be optimally configured to implement its existing mandate, exclusively on the basis of a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of the impact of its activities, and to report on the results of the review within four months.

Egypt’s representative called on all parties to respect the sovereignty and independence of Cyprus as an independent State.  Stressing the importance of UNFICYP, he called for a continued role for the mission in creating a safe environment in Cyprus and supporting efforts to relaunch communications between the parties.  Cyprus was a friendly country with economic, political and cultural ties to Egypt, he said, expressing hope that a just settlement would be reached through a transparent and inclusive process.

The meeting began at 10:05 a.m. and ended at 10:10 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 2369 (2017) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 10 July 2017 (document S/2017/586) on the United Nations operation in Cyprus,

“Noting that the Government of Cyprus is agreed that, in view of the prevailing conditions on the island, it is necessary to keep the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) beyond 31 July 2017,

“Noting the intention of the Secretary-General to report on his good offices in the next reporting period, echoing the Secretary-General’s firm belief that the responsibility for finding a solution lies first and foremost with the Cypriots themselves, and reaffirming the primary role of the United Nations in assisting the parties to bring the Cyprus conflict and division of the island to a comprehensive and durable settlement,

“Welcoming the commitments set out in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders’ joint statement of 2 April 2017 on the basis of the Joint Declaration adopted on 11 February 2014, further welcoming the progress in negotiations since then, including the reconvening of the Conference on Cyprus under United Nations auspices in June 2017, the participants’ commitment to support the process towards a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, and the support provided by the Secretary‑General and the Secretary‑General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide,

“Recalling the importance attached by the international community to all parties engaging fully, flexibly and constructively in negotiations to secure a settlement and noting that the recent Conference on Cyprus has not resulted in an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as set out in relevant Security Council resolutions, encouraging the sides to sustain their commitment to such a settlement, and stressing that the status quo is unsustainable,

“Noting the need to advance the consideration of and discussions on military confidence-building measures, calling for renewed efforts to implement all remaining confidence-building measures, and for agreement on and implementation of further steps to build trust between the communities,

“Reaffirming the importance of continued crossings of the Green Line by Cypriots, and encouraging the opening by mutual agreement of other crossing points,

“Convinced of the many important benefits, including economic benefits for all Cypriots, that would flow from a comprehensive and durable Cyprus settlement, urging the two sides and their leaders to foster positive public rhetoric, and encouraging them clearly to explain the benefits of the settlement, as well as the need for increased flexibility and compromise in order to secure it, to both communities well in advance of any referenda,

“Highlighting the importance, both political and financial, of the supporting role of the international community, and in particular that of all parties concerned in taking practical steps towards helping the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to sustain their commitment to a settlement under United Nations auspices; taking note of the assessment of the Secretary-General that the security situation on the island and along the Green Line remains stable, and urging all sides to avoid any action, including violations of the military status quo, which could lead to an increase in tension, undermine the progress achieved so far, or damage the goodwill on the island,

“Recalling the Secretary-General’s firm belief that the situation in the buffer zone would be improved if both sides accepted the 1989 aide-memoire used by the United Nations,

“Noting with regret that the sides are withholding access to the remaining minefields in the buffer zone, and that demining in Cyprus must continue, noting the continued danger posed by mines in Cyprus, noting also proposals and discussions, as well as positive initiatives on demining, and urging rapid agreement on facilitating the recommencement of demining operations and clearance of the remaining minefields,

“Commending the work of the Committee on Missing Persons, highlighting the importance of intensifying its activities, and therefore the need to provide all information required as expressed in the press release of the Committee on Missing Persons on 28 July 2016 regarding review of archival materials, noting that nearly half of all missing persons have yet to be located and around 61.5 per cent have yet to be identified, urging the opening up of access to all areas expeditiously to allow the Committee to carry out its work, and trusting that this process will promote reconciliation between the communities,

“Agreeing that active participation of civil society groups, including women’s groups, is essential to the political process and can contribute to making any future settlement sustainable, recalling that women play a critically important role in peace processes, welcoming all efforts to promote bicommunal contacts and events including, inter alia, on the part of all United Nations bodies on the island, and urging the two sides to promote the active engagement of civil society and the encouragement of cooperation between economic and commercial bodies and to remove all obstacles to such contacts,

“Stressing the need for the Council to pursue a rigorous, strategic approach to peacekeeping deployments,

“Recognizing the need to regularly review all peacekeeping operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, including a review of UNFICYP when appropriate, and noting the importance of transition planning in relation to the settlement, including recommendations as appropriate for further adjustments to the mandate of UNFICYP, force levels and other resources and concept of operations, taking into account developments on the ground and the views of the parties,

“Noting with appreciation the efforts of the Secretary-General, Special Representative Elizabeth Spehar, Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide,

“Echoing the Secretary-General’s gratitude to the Government of Cyprus and the Government of Greece for their voluntary contributions to the funding of UNFICYP, and his request for further voluntary contributions from other countries and organizations, and expressing appreciation to Member States that contribute personnel to UNFICYP,

“Welcoming and encouraging efforts by the United Nations to sensitize peacekeeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its peacekeeping operations,

“1.   Welcomes the progress of the leaders-led process since 11 February 2014 and the efforts of the leaders and their negotiators to reach a comprehensive and durable settlement, notes the outcome of the Conference on Cyprus and encourages the sides and all involved participants to sustain their commitment to a settlement under United Nations auspices;

“2.   Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General (document S/2017/586);

“3.   Reaffirms all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus, in particular resolution 1251 of 29 June 1999 and subsequent resolutions;

“4.   Recalls Security Council resolution 2338 (2017), and calls upon the two leaders to:

(a)   Put their efforts behind further work on reaching convergences on the core issues;

(b)   Continue to work with the Technical Committees with the objective of improving the daily lives of the Cypriots;

(c)   Improve the public atmosphere for negotiation to secure a settlement, including by focussing public messages on convergences and the way ahead, and delivering more constructive and harmonized messages; and

(d)   Increase the participation of civil society in the process as appropriate;

“5.   Requests the Secretary-General to maintain transition planning in relation to a settlement, guided by progress in negotiations, and encourages the sides to engage with each other, as well as with UNFICYP and the United Nations good offices mission in this regard;

“6.   Urges the implementation of confidence-building measures, and looks forward to agreement on and implementation of further such mutually acceptable steps, including military confidence-building measures and the opening of crossing points already agreed upon and others, that can contribute to a conducive environment for a settlement;

“7.   Welcomes all efforts to accommodate the Committee on Missing Persons’ exhumation requirements as well as the joint appeal for information issued by the two leaders on 28 May 2015, and calls upon all parties to provide more expeditious, full access to all areas, given the need to intensify the Committee’s work;

“8.   Expresses its full support for UNFICYP and decides to extend its mandate for a further period ending 31 January 2018;

“9.   Calls on both sides to continue to engage, as a matter of urgency and while respecting the mandate of UNFICYP, in consultations with UNFICYP on the demarcation of the buffer zone, and on the United Nations 1989 aide-memoire, with a view to reaching early agreement on outstanding issues;

“10.  Calls on the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to restore in Strovilia the military status quo which existed there prior to 30 June 2000;

“11.  Calls on both sides to allow access to deminers and to facilitate the removal of the remaining mines in Cyprus within the buffer zone, and urges both sides to extend demining operations outside the buffer zone;

“12. Requests the Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review of UNFICYP focused on findings and recommendations for how UNFICYP should be optimally configured to implement its existing mandate, based exclusively on rigorous evidence-based assessment of the impact of UNFICYP activities, and further requests the Secretary-General to report on the results of this review when appropriate within four months of the adoption of this resolution;

“13.  Expresses its full support for the Secretary-General in continuing to keep his Good Offices at the disposal of the parties, and requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on implementation of this resolution by 10 January 2018 and to keep the Security Council updated on events as necessary;

“14.  Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNFICYP to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

“15.  Decides to remain seized of the matter.”

Source: United Nations

FAMAGUSTA, 31 July 2017 - On Monday 31 July, outgoing troops from the Slovak Republic, Hungary, Serbia and Ukraine received medals in recognition of their professional service during their tenure with UNFICYP. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of Mission, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, and Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir presented medals to Sector Four’s peacekeepers.

“You dutifully represent the spirit of the United Nations, which has brought you here to serve together under the blue flag, in aid of peace, stability and a comprehensive, sustainable settlement in Cyprus. You contribute daily through your patrols, your liaison functions and your excellent cooperation with the other Mission sectors and components,” SRSG Spehar said in her address to the troops at the Sector HQ, Camp General Stefanik.

“To our Sector Four troops, I congratulate you and encourage you to continue your excellent work during your deployment with UNFICYP,” she added.

CAMP SAN MARTIN, 2 August 2017 - As the summer sun set on 2 August, troops from UNFICYP Sector One, in the west of the island, prepared to receive UN medals in the service of peace. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus and Head of Mission, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, and Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir presented medals to Sector One’s peacekeepers.

“We are grateful for the continued support of dedicated Member States such as Argentina, as well as the other Sector One troop contributing countries – Brazil, Chile and Paraguay,” SRSG Spehar said. 

Sector One covers a distance of approximately 90 kilometers from Kokkina village on the western coast of Cyprus to the village of Mammari, west of Nicosia. It has been the responsibility of the Argentinean Contingent since 16 October 1993. Sector One Headquarters and Command Company are located in San Martin Camp, which is near Skouriotissa village.

The UNFICYP medal – awarded for three months of service with the mission - has three equal bars, one of white in the centre and two of UN blue at either end. The bars are separated by two narrow bands of dark blue, symbolizing the Mediterranean Sea.

NICOSIA, 8 August 2017 - Brigadier General Guillermo Gar, Commander of the 7th Aerial Brigade (Helicopters and Special Forces) of Argentina's Air force visited UNFICYP HQ on 08 August 2017, where he met with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Cyprus and Head of Mission, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, and Force Commander Mohammad Humayun Kabir.

The Force Commander and SRSG thanked the Argentine Government and Military for its continued contribution to UNFICYP, and highlighted the good work of the Argentinian contingent, which leads the mission's Sector One.

Brigadier Gar is an UNFICYP veteran, having previously served on the island on three separate rotations.

KOSHI, 15 August 2017 - On 14 August 1974, three Austrian peacekeepers serving with UNFICYP, 1/Lt. Johann Izay, MSgt. Paul Decombe and Cpl. August Isaak, lost their lives in an air attack in the vicinity of the small village of Koshi. Every year, the Mission pays tribute to these three fallen comrades; on 14 August this year, UNFICYP remembered their sacrifice during an event at a memorial constructed in their honour in Koshi.

Austrian Ambassador to Cyprus Dr. Karl Mueller joined UNFICYP Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Chief of Mission Support, Mr. Joel Cohen, and members of the Austrian Contingent to honour their memories.

Speaking during the event, General Humayun said: “President John F. Kennedy said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers”. This morning I am honored to be here to remember and honor the Austrian Heroes who sacrificed their precious lives for the cause of world peace and progress.”

“We have all been touched by the ultimate sacrifice they have made to bring peace for others. May their soul rest in peace,” he added. “I would also like to gratefully remember and pay special tribute to the 186 personnel who have lost their lives in the service of peace on the island since 1964. We are forever in their debt.”