New York, 15 June 2024 (TDI): UNFICYP 60th Anniversary Events Held at UN Headquarters in New York, Featuring Cyprus’s Foreign Minister as Speaker.
The event was organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations.
The keynote speakers were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Konstantinos Kombos, and Lt. Gen. Cheryl Pearce, who served as Commander of UNFICYP from 2019 to 2021.
After the event, guests visited the Press and Information Office’s exhibition, “60 Years of UNFICYP.”
It features photos documenting six decades of the Peacekeeping Force’s presence in Cyprus.
The exhibition will remain at the United Nations building for the next few days.
In his speech at the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the contributions of UNFICYP peacekeepers in Cyprus.
Furthermore, Kombos also noted that Cyprus recognizes the vital role of UN peacekeeping forces worldwide.
He emphasizes that the Republic of Cyprus hosts one of the longest-running peacekeeping missions in the world.
He underlined, “Members of the Force have served the UN and Cypriots with courage, some giving their lives during service.”
“Their sacrifice is not forgotten. And the Republic of Cyprus is grateful to them.”
The Foreign Minister then underscored that:
“The Turkish occupation remains a painful reality, a continual violation of Public International Law.”
“Serving as a constant reminder that a member state of this Organization faces, daily, an existential threat.”
In this context, he referenced the attacks against members of the Peacekeeping Force last August, which the international community condemned in the strongest terms.
He pointed out that the recent movements of the occupying forces are manifestations of today’s challenges.
Additionally, He said: “the UN cannot be threatened and that the policy of equidistance is dangerous”
“The UN cannot undermine the principles for which peacekeepers sacrificed their lives.”
UNFICYP
UNFICYP, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability on the island for over six decades.
It was established in 1964 to prevent further hostilities between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
Moreover, UNFICYP continues to monitor the ceasefire lines, facilitate humanitarian activities, and promote dialogue between the two sides.
The force has faced numerous challenges over the years, including incidents of violence and occasional tensions between the parties.
Despite these challenges, UNFICYP remains committed to its mandate of promoting a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus conflict.
Recently, UNFICYP has been involved in efforts to support confidence-building measures and encourage dialogue towards a comprehensive settlement.
Additionally, It continues to adapt its operations to the evolving needs of the situation on the ground, ensuring it remains relevant and effective in its peacekeeping role.
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As Cyprus commemorates 60 years of UNFICYP‘s presence, the mission serves as a reminder of the international community’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.
It also highlights the ongoing efforts needed to achieve a lasting resolution to the Cyprus issue.
