Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou has described on Saturday as positive the fact that the United Nations, just like the Greek Cypriot side, consider the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate imperative.

Invited to comment on Antonio Guterres’ report on UNFICYP, an unofficial copy of which was delivered late Friday to the members of the UN Security Council, Prodromou said that the only thing he can comment on is that “it is positive, just like the Cypriot side considers imperative the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate and maintaining the peacekeeping forces’ role”.

The Spokesman further said it is also positive that the SG reconfirms his willingness and readiness to offer his mission of good offices and conveying the message that the two sides should properly prepare for the resumption of the negotiations. And this is the work carried out by Jane Holl Lute, he added.

 Invited to comment on statements by the Turkish side, demanding a change in the mandate of UNFICYP, Prodromou said that it is essential for the force to continue to be in effect but this should not be prolonged since we are trying to solve the Cyprus problem.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory,