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President praises Unficyp, ’s role in peace

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President praises Unficyp, ’s role in peace

President Nikos Christodoulides praised the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) for its role in restoring peace, stability, and international legality in Cyprus. The force marked its 60th anniversary since its establishment by Resolution 186 in 1964. Christodoulides paid tribute to the 187 peacekeepers who lost their lives and thanked the approximately 150,000 peacekeepers who have served, the UN member states contributing personnel, and the countries supporting Unficyp financially, notably Greece. He mentioned challenges from occupying forces and emphasized that Turkey’s actions aimed to challenge the consent of the sovereign state of the Republic of Cyprus, necessary under international law. The president highlighted the force’s significant role since 1964 and after the Turkish invasion of 1974 in restoring peace and addressing humanitarian issues arising from the invasion.

UNFICYP: A three-month mission that has dragged on for 60 years

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UNFICYP: A three-month mission that has dragged on for 60 years

On March 4, 1964, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 186 (1964), recommending the creation of a United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for an initial period of three months, due to the situation in Cyprus potentially threatening international peace and security. The first peacekeepers, including Canadians, British, and Finns, arrived shortly after. Since then, over 100,000 peacekeepers from various countries have served in UNFICYP. The force’s mandate includes preventing tensions between the two sides, maintaining law and order in the buffer zone, and contributing to a settlement by building trust and confidence between the sides. Currently, UNFICYP comprises over 800 military peacekeepers from 17 countries, divided into British, Argentinian, and Slovak contingents, responsible for different sections of the buffer zone. UNFICYP also includes a police force of 69 officers from 13 countries, with Ireland being the main contributor. The mission focuses on preventing tensions and building relationships rather than using force, with the use of force as a last resort. UNFICYP has been successful in maintaining calm and stability in the buffer zone. The mission has seen 187 peacekeepers lose their lives, with the last death occurring in 2015. UNFICYP is planning events to honor those who have worked to maintain peace on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

Moscow ready to contribute to Cyprus talks, Zakharova says

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Moscow ready to contribute to Cyprus talks, Zakharova says

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Britain on the 65th anniversary of the Zurich-London Agreements and expressed Moscow’s readiness to contribute to the Cyprus issue’s settlement based on UN Security Council resolutions. She emphasized that a compromise should be reached through voluntary talks of the Cypriot communities without outside pressure. Zakharova noted that the independence of Cyprus was “severely limited” by the Zurich-London agreements, which allowed London, Athens, and Ankara to intervene in Cyprus’s internal affairs and led to the stationing of Greek and Turkish military forces on the island. Britain retained two areas totaling 256 square kilometers as sovereign bases. She described the agreements as having a “dangerous conflict dynamic” that led to bloody conflicts and the island’s division. Zakharova criticized Britain’s current aggressive behavior in the region, which undermines regional stability and the settlement of the Cyprus issue. She also mentioned the Soviet Union’s support for Cypriot independence during the decolonization process and its criticism of the British Government’s intentions to consolidate its state and sow discord between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Situation in Rizokarpaso schools , ‘very serious’

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Situation in Rizokarpaso schools , ‘very serious’

The Cypriot government has pledged to take all necessary actions regarding the situation in Rizokarpaso schools after Turkish Cypriot officials were reported to have interfered with the functioning of Greek Cypriot schools, including unannounced inspections and questioning of teachers. This interference has been ongoing since May, with the officials inspecting books, notebooks, classrooms, and teaching materials, and isolating teachers for questioning. The severity of the issue has led to the involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The north’s authorities have a practice of checking all books entering the schools, occasionally banning or requiring modifications to them. The Republic’s foreign ministry typically requests permission for visits through the UN, according to protocol. Additionally, there was a mention of the Turkish army monitoring works by British Bases forces near Achna, and a statement on the situation in Pyla, emphasizing the importance of implementing all provisions of the Understanding for both communities.

President comments on Cyprus Problem, Tatar’s statements

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President comments on Cyprus Problem, Tatar’s statements

President Christodoulides made statements regarding the Cyprus issue, sending messages to various parties including N. Papadopoulos, Ersin Tatar, and others involved in the Cyprus issue. He emphasized that any ideas processed by the Republic of Cyprus, especially concerning Euro-Turkish relations, cannot include sovereignty equality, which he stated is not up for discussion. Christodoulides mentioned that everyone will be judged by the outcome of their actions and highlighted the Greek Cypriot side’s clear goals and expectations from the mission of Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy. He announced an upcoming meeting on March 11 following Holguín’s visits to London, Turkey, and possibly Brussels. Christodoulides also expressed a desire for more active involvement from Turkey in resolving the Cyprus issue and noted the importance of the international community’s role. He denied any new developments related to the energy issue following the Turkish President’s visit to Egypt, stating that resolving the Cyprus problem would strengthen prospects but there is nothing specific at the moment.

Christodoulides takes action on buffer zone fortifications

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Christodoulides takes action on buffer zone fortifications

– President Nikos Christodoulides is taking measures to remove fortifications near the buffer zone built by the Turkish army.
– Dherynia Mayor Andros Karayiannis, who is also the head of the committee of rural and semi-rural municipalities, discussed the issue with Christodoulides.
– The issue of fortifications arose a few months ago after a Turkish violation in the buffer zone in Ayios Dhometios, Nicosia, where Turkish forces installed a camera on a house in the UN-controlled area.
– The fortification works are a concern for all buffer zone areas, especially the six municipalities near the area.
– Local authorities are requesting incentives from the interior ministry for housing projects in buffer-zone bordering areas to encourage people, particularly young people, to live there.
– The opening of the Pyrroi checkpoint was discussed, and Christodoulides stated he will not open any other checkpoint until Pyrroi is opened, in conjunction with the demands of Turkish Cypriots who want a checkpoint in Kaimakli for commercial purposes.
– Karayiannis expressed satisfaction with the meeting with the president and the interior minister.
– The new plan for rural, mountainous, and isolated areas will be announced in early March.
– The Yeri mayor requested that the checkpoint at Archaias Ledras near the village be investigated.
– Christodoulides showed interest in all topics raised by the buffer-zone municipalities.

Christodoulides takes action on buffer zone fortifications

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Christodoulides takes action on buffer zone fortifications

President Nikos Christodoulides is taking measures to remove fortifications near the buffer zone built by the Turkish army. Dherynia Mayor Andros Karayiannis, who is also the head of the committee of rural and semi-rural municipalities, reported this after a meeting with Christodoulides. The issue of fortifications arose following a Turkish violation in the buffer zone in Ayios Dhometios, Nicosia, where Turkish forces installed a camera on a house within the UN-controlled area. The camera has not been removed.

Karayiannis had a constructive discussion with President Christodoulides and Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou about the fortifications, which are a concern for the six municipalities near the buffer zone. Christodoulides acknowledged the challenge to the buffer zone by the occupying army and is taking steps to address the violation.

Local authorities are seeking incentives from the interior ministry for housing projects in buffer-zone bordering areas to encourage residency, particularly for young people. The opening of the Pyrroi checkpoint was also discussed, and Christodoulides stated he will not open any other checkpoint until the Pyrroi is opened, considering the demands of Turkish Cypriots for a commercial checkpoint in Kaimakli.

Karayiannis expressed satisfaction with the meeting’s outcomes. The government officials handle policy issues, but the municipalities have requested the announcement of housing plans for the buffer zone areas. Assurances were given that a new plan for rural, mountainous, and isolated areas would be announced in early March.

The Yeri mayor requested an investigation into the checkpoint at Archaias Ledras near the village. Christodoulides showed interest in all topics raised by the buffer-zone municipalities.

Cyprus calls for UK MPs, ’ help on ‘common challenges’

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Cyprus calls for UK MPs, ’ help on ‘common challenges’

House president Annita Demetriou called for the British parliament to offer assistance to address common challenges. She made this remark during a meeting with a delegation of British MPs who were in Cyprus for an official visit. Demetriou discussed matters such as equality and human rights with the British MPs. The meeting coincided with the appointment of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin, which is a significant step after years of stalemate in Cyprus reunification talks. Demetriou mentioned Turkish violations in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) during the visit. She considered the meeting a chance to follow up on her visit to the UK last year and to ensure ongoing contact and cooperation between Cyprus and the UK. At the end of the meeting, she awarded Conservative Party MP Sir Roger Gale with the Medal of the House of Representatives for his support for Cyprus and its people. Gale presented Demetriou with a medal from his constituent George Gerolemou, who in 1983 had sought Gale’s help to return to his home in Komi Kebir.

Steinmeier calls for , ‘bold steps’ and compromise

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Steinmeier calls for , ‘bold steps’ and compromise

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for both sides in Cyprus to show a willingness to compromise and take bold steps to find a solution. He expressed support for the resolution of the Cyprus issue and emphasized Germany’s support for a bi-zonal bi-communal federation within the framework of the United Nations. Steinmeier also praised Cyprus’s role as a safe harbor for the European Union and highlighted the need for Turkey to address the Cyprus problem in relation to its approach to the EU. The Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the current state of affairs in Cyprus is unacceptable and that the key to a solution lies with Ankara. He called for the European Union to play a more active role in resolving the Cyprus problem and expressed hope for the reunification of Cyprus. The two presidents also discussed bilateral relations, including cooperation on defense, economics, and energy. Steinmeier commended Cyprus’s contribution to the evacuation of German citizens from Israel and expressed support for the EU’s stance on Ukraine. He also addressed the issue of immigration, with Steinmeier acknowledging the burden faced by Cyprus and calling for a common European asylum system.

Supporters of the Cyprus solution treated Holgin to coffee at Büyük Han (video)

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Supporters of the Cyprus solution treated Holgin to coffee at Büyük Han (video)

Members of the Büyük Han intercommunal coffee shop expressed their commitment to the goal of resolving the Cyprus issue. Members and officials of the Volt Cyprus leadership were also present. The Büyük Han coffee shop members gave a gift of a trowel to the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, symbolizing the effort to construct a solution to the Cyprus problem. The Büyük Han is a meeting place for Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, and other members of the reunification movement, who have been meeting here every Saturday morning for almost 20 years.