UN Peacebuilding Efforts in Famagusta Discussed
In a recent development concerning the ongoing peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus, the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp), Colin Stewart, held a meeting with the Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Italian MP Piero Fassino. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, was an opportunity for Stewart to provide a comprehensive briefing on the status of peace initiatives on the island.
According to an announcement shared by the United Nations in Cyprus on Platform ‘X,’ Fassino’s visit to the UN Protected Area in Famagusta was marked by discussions on the UN’s role in fostering peace in Cyprus. Unficyp spokesman Aleem Siddique later clarified to CNA that while Stewart and Fassino engaged in talks about peacebuilding efforts, they did not delve into the specifics of negotiation progress, as this remains within the purview of the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General.
The backdrop of these discussions includes significant events that have unfolded in Famagusta. On October 8, 2020, the Turkish Cypriot leadership made a controversial move by opening a portion of Varosha’s fenced area, following an announcement in Ankara two days prior. This step was followed by another announcement in July 2021 by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar regarding a partial lifting of military status in Varosha.
These actions have drawn international attention and concern. In his latest report on Unficyp, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his apprehensions about new developments in Varosha and noted the absence of a response to the Security Council’s request to reverse the actions initiated since October 2020’s partial reopening. The European Union has also voiced its concern over the situation.
The meeting between Stewart and Fassino underscores the continued international engagement and commitment to peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus, with Famagusta remaining a focal point for diplomatic dialogue and resolution.
