FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – UNFICYP remains crucial in maintaining peace and security in Cyprus, Greece emphasized during a UN Security Council meeting on peacekeeping operations.
The session addressed challenges faced by missions and the need to adopt advanced technologies for ceasefire monitoring.
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix proposed integrating direct observation technologies to improve mission efficiency, citing the Unite Aware platform’s role in monitoring areas like the Dead Zone in Cyprus.
Greek Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, welcomed the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate, commending its “invaluable contribution to maintaining peace and de-escalating tensions” in the buffer zone.
This underscores the significance of innovative strategies in bolstering peacekeeping efforts globally.
WHAT IS UNFICYP?
The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was established in 1964 through United Nations Security Council Resolution 186 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
Initially, UNFICYP consisted of military and civilian contingents from various countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
In 1974, the Greek Cypriot coup d’état and subsequent Turkish invasion of Cyprus significantly altered the island’s political landscape.
In response, the United Nations Security Council extended and expanded UNFICYP’s mandate to prevent the dispute from escalating into a full-scale war.
The force was redeployed to patrol the United Nations Buffer Zone, also known as the Green Line, which separates the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
Since its establishment, UNFICYP has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability on the island.
The force supervises ceasefire lines, maintains a buffer zone, undertakes humanitarian activities, and supports the good offices mission of the Secretary-General. As of 2024, UNFICYP comprises over 800 military personnel and 69 police officers from various contributing countries.