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‘Measures for Turkish Cypriots are an admission of guilt’

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‘Measures for Turkish Cypriots are an admission of guilt’

The fact described in the text is that President Nikos Christodoulides announced a 14-point package of measures, which Serdar Denktash criticized as an “admission of guilt” for usurping human rights. Denktash suggested that the Turkish Cypriot side should present their own suggestions to UN Envoy Maria Angela Holguin and explain how their human rights were usurped. He also stated that it is not right to insist on a federation as a solution to the Cyprus problem and expressed support for changing the political system in the north from a parliamentary to a presidential system. Additionally, he mentioned that Ankara would support the Turkish Cypriot side if they reached an agreement among themselves.

Fierce fighting in Gaza's Khan Younis: 'We are out in the cold, left to our own devices'

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Fierce fighting in Gaza's Khan Younis: 'We are out in the cold, left to our own devices'

The text describes the current situation in the city of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip, which is experiencing intense fighting and bombardment. The Israeli army is targeting Hamas fighters in the city. Hospitals are under attack and the population is fleeing. Witnesses report that the city is heavily damaged and there is a shortage of food. The United Nations is calling for continued assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip and for the protection of services for Palestinian refugees. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) is facing serious threats to its operations after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in attacks. Over half of the buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed. The US and EU have suspended funding to UNRWA pending an investigation into the allegations. The situation in the Gaza Strip is causing a humanitarian crisis, with 1.7 million people forced to leave their homes. The Israeli government views UNRWA as fundamentally compromised and accuses it of allowing Hamas to use its infrastructure for military activities. The US and other countries are calling for fundamental changes to UNRWA. Meanwhile, the US, Egypt, and Qatar are negotiating for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Hamas has received a proposal for a ceasefire and is considering it. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip and will not release thousands of terrorists in exchange for hostages.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry calls on the Security Council to recognize the pseudo-state

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The Turkish Foreign Ministry calls on the Security Council to recognize the pseudo-state

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses full support for the measures taken by the pseudo-state regarding the activities of UNFICYP in Cyprus. It accuses the UN Security Council of turning a blind eye to violations by the Greek Cypriot side in the buffer zone. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also calls on the UN Security Council to recognize the pseudo-state. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is disappointed that the UN Security Council's resolution refers to outdated and exhausted models as a possible solution to the Cyprus issue, without mentioning the vision of a two-state solution proposed by the "president" of the pseudo-state , Mr. Tatar. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges the UN Security Council to accept that a fair, lasting, and sustainable solution in Cyprus can only be achieved based on realities and by recognizing the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, their sovereignty, and equal international status . The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its call for the recognition of the pseudo-state before the UN Security Council and the international community.

UN Security Council renews Unficyp mandate

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UN Security Council renews Unficyp mandate

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution to extend the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (Unficyp) mandate for one more year, until January 31, 2025. The resolution was adopted unanimously by all 15 members of the council. This marks the second time the mandate has been renewed for a year instead of the previous six-month intervals.

UN Security Council renews Unficyp mandate (updated)

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UN Security Council renews Unficyp mandate (updated)

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (Unficyp) for one more year, until January 31, 2025. The resolution was adopted unanimously by all 15 members of the council. This marks the second time the mandate has been renewed for a year instead of the previous six-month intervals. The resolution reaffirms previous resolutions regarding the form of the Cyprus settlement and addresses the issue of Varosha and actions by Turkish forces in Pyla. The north criticized the renewal, claiming Unficyp has failed to fulfill its basic tasks and maintains the status quo. They also mentioned an appointment of a Personal Representative for six months to determine common ground for new negotiations, advocating for two states with sovereign equality and equal international status. The north demands the implementation of an agreement with the Peace Force and the completion of road construction in Pyla.

The UN Security Council unanimously renewed the mandate of UNFICYP

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The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution today in New York to renew the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for another year, extending its term until January 31, 2025. The resolution was unanimously adopted by all 15 members of the Security Council. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the renewal of the UNFICYP mandate and expressed its full support for finding a sustainable and inclusive solution based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality. The Security Council also reiterated its position on the status of Varosha and called for the restoration of the pre-June 2000 status in the area of Strovilia. The Council expressed concern over repeated violations of the ceasefire line and the questioning of the status of the buffer zone by Turkish forces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of taking actions to create a positive climate, reduce tensions, and build trust in view of the mission of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy. The Cypriot government remains fully committed to working constructively towards a substantive negotiation process under the auspices of the UN.

UNSG envoy , ‘ready to contribute’ to talks restart

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UNSG envoy , ‘ready to contribute’ to talks restart

Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy for Cyprus, has expressed her readiness to contribute to the resumption of peace talks on the island. She met with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, expressing enthusiasm for her mission and stating her intention to listen to the people and understand their needs. Cuéllar aims to recruit a collaborator with a permanent presence in Cyprus and will hold meetings with members of civil society to better understand the Cyprus problem. She will also have another meeting with President Christodoulides before leaving the island.

Holgin: "Very good meeting with Ersin Tatar – We need to think about the future"

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Holgin: "Very good meeting with Ersin Tatar - We need to think about the future"

The most important thing is to listen, not only to the leaders, but also to the people and the civil society, said the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General. She emphasized the need to think about the future and to listen to the needs of the people and the civil society. She also mentioned her previous experience in Colombia and the importance of leaders seeking common ground. The President of the House of Representatives highlighted the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to restart negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem within the agreed framework and in accordance with UN resolutions. They also discussed the escalating tension in the Middle East and other issues of broader interest.

UN SG envoy, ’s arrival marks new movement

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UN SG envoy, ’s arrival marks new movement

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, has arrived in Cyprus. The government is hopeful that her arrival marks the beginning of a new period of progress on the Cyprus problem. Holguin is being briefed by UN Special Representative Colin Stewart before meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. The government spokesperson stated that they are determined to contribute to the conditions necessary for the resumption of negotiations. Confidence-building measures have also been announced, including granting citizenship to the children of a Turkish Cypriot and a Turkish parent. This is Holguin’s first visit to the island since her appointment.

More countries pause funds for UN Palestinian agency; Israel wants it replaced

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More countries pause funds for UN Palestinian agency; Israel wants it replaced

Several countries, including Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Finland, have paused funding for the United Nations’ refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) following allegations that some of its staff were involved in Hamas attacks on Israel. The United States, Australia, and Canada had already paused funding after the allegations. UNRWA has opened an investigation into the employees and severed ties with them. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has called for UNRWA to be replaced and accused the agency of ties to Islamist militants in Gaza. UNRWA provides education, health, and aid services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.