The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has recommended an extension of the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) until January 31, 2026, urging international support for peace initiatives. In his report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus for the information of the members of the Security Council that will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/2025/6, Guterres also welcomes the commitment made by the two Cypriot leaders on October 15 to explore the possibility of opening new crossing points.
The present report on the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) covers developments from 13 June to 11 December 2024. It brings up to date the record of activities carried out by UNFICYP pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) and subsequent Council resolutions, most recently resolution 2723 (2024), since the issuance of the reports of the Secretary-General dated 5 July 2024 on UNFICYP (S/2024/527) and on his mission of good offices in Cyprus (S/2024/526).
“I welcome the commitment made by the two Cypriot leaders on October 15 to explore the possibility of opening new crossing points, has resulted in the two sides discussing this specific issue under the auspices of my Special Representative/Deputy Special adviser. 2024 marked several unfortunate anniversaries on the island, including during this reporting period. I regret that, in recalling the tragic history of the island, divisive narratives were louder than the voices of peace,” Guterres notes.
The Secretary-General called on both sides to halt violations, and remove unauthorized surveillance systems and constructions, and welcomed the integration of asylum seekers into reception procedures. He also expressed concern over “continued pushbacks.”
Following the informal dinner hosted by the Secretary-General on 15 October 2024 in New York with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar, the two sides began engaging in Cyprus under the auspices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Deputy Special Adviser, to explore the possibility of opening new crossing points, it is added.
UNFICYP continued to support intercommunal engagements on a range of common issues and continued to foster connections between actors across the island. The period saw an encouraging broadening of civil society engagement, it is noted.
Prevention of a recurrence of fighting and maintenance of the military status quo
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From 13 June to 30 November, the mission observed 227 military violations, 118 by the Turkish Forces, and 109 by the National Guard, it is noted in the Report. While the number of violations overall decreased, unauthorized military constructions increased and represented 57% of violations as both sides continued to reinforce and enhance their military and security infrastructure.
“The installation of military-grade surveillance systems along the buffer zone, that have the potential to be used in military operations, remains a significant concern for UNFICYP. As of the end of the reporting period, the Republic of Cyprus had a total of 31 surveillance towers, installed since 2023, 8 of which were equipped with cameras (an additional two from the previous reporting period). The Republic of Cyprus also continued the installation of standalone surveillance cameras, which were added at 21 sites along the buffer zone, two of them inside the buffer zone”, it is added.
Turkish Forces installed four additional camera sites, bringing the total number of camera installations along the northern ceasefire line to 114. In addition, Turkish Forces installed 49 new surveillance towers, nearly all within the span of eight weeks, bringing the total number of surveillance towers to 55 (53 of which are equipped with cameras) installed since 2023.
“The mission also observed during this reporting period a continued high number of “move forward” violations by the military of both sides and overmanning, all of which indicate an erosion of respect of the mission’s mandated authority in the buffer zone. The National Guard on four occasions committed move forward violations to push back asylum-seekers into the buffer zone alongside the Greek Cypriot immigration police unit”, the Report reads. Turkish Forces also committed six move forward violations in the vicinity of one of the temporary United Nations camps for asylumseekers inside the buffer zone, claiming that the camp infringed upon the territory they controlled. In one significant incident, approximately 30 armed Turkish Forces soldiers were observed advancing at night towards the temporary camp, although they withdrew when they were challenged by UNFICYP. “As the Security Council has repeatedly made clear, UNFICYP – which drew the ceasefire lines in 1974 – is the only entity competent to affirm their delineation, and the rules governing the buffer zone are set out in its aide-memoire which the Council has endorsed”, it is noted.
“During the reporting period, neither side took any significant action to reverse the course of previous serious violations in and around the buffer zone. The camera and satellite dish installed in November 2023 by the Turkish Forces atop an abandoned house inside the buffer zone known as “Maria’s House” remained in place, despite the mission’s protests. The National Guard also refuses to remove the two cameras it installed inside the buffer zone in the same area. Installations inside the buffer zone are of particular concern because they create circumstances on the ground that undermine the neutral status of the buffer zone and may be perceived as a claim to parts of the buffer zone. While general access to the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery inside the buffer zone, known as Waynes Keep, improved during the reporting period, UNFICYP’s freedom of movement has not been fully restored by Turkish Forces”.
The mission continued to observe the disguising of military positions within civilian structures by the Greek Cypriots, the most recent example being a research institution on the edge of the buffer zone in Nicosia. The research institute explained having received instructions from the Ministry of Defence to incorporate reinforced firing ports in their perimeter wall to comply with standing regulations. UNFICYP continued to protest this policy with Republic of Cyprus authorities, which is not only considered a military violation but also dangerously blurs the lines between civilian and military facilities. Similarly, the previously reported trench system comprising 11 concrete bunkers along the southern ceasefire line, installed by the National Guard in the middle of a civilian photovoltaic park located partly inside the buffer zone, has not been removed, UNSG says.
The National Guard installed 10 additional prefabricated concrete firing positions along the southern ceasefire line, in the vicinity of the Pyla/Pile plateau. This brings the total of such installations to 339 since 2019, 13 of which are inside the buffer zone. Turkish Forces have 11 prefabricated concrete firing positions along the northern ceasefire line, which the mission first observed in 2020.
“Both sides also pursued the excavation and maintenance of trench systems along the ceasefire lines, as observed in previous reporting periods and assessed to be part of efforts to harden the ceasefire lines”.
Notwithstanding the high number of serious military violations in and around the buffer zone, during the reporting period both opposing forces showed willingness to engage in more regular dialogue with the mission at the Force Commander and Military Chief of Staff level, it is further noted. This provided an important channel for the de-escalation of tensions in the buffer zone, which has already been fruitful in several instances. UNFICYP continued to press both sides on the importance of establishing a direct mechanism for military contact, and for the implementation of Security Council resolution 2723 (2024) which calls for a de-escalation of tensions in and around the buffer zone.
Prevention of tensions in and around the buffer zone
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While the implementation of the understanding on arrangements for the Pyla/Pile plateau has been suspended for over a year, the mission sustained engagements with both sides to seek a way forward. In the meantime, the situation on the Pyla/Pile plateau remained calm overall, although incursions by Turkish Cypriot police into the buffer zone area on the plateau persisted on a nearly daily basis.
The unauthorized concertina wire fence installed inside the buffer zone by the Republic of Cyprus in 2021, expanded to its current length of 14 kilometers in 2022, notwithstanding the mission’s protests, has not been removed, despite the fact that the Council of Ministers had approved its removal during the reporting period following an acknowledgment that the fence had had no impact on migrant flows, UNSG report says.
Varosha Developments
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Regarding Varosha, the Secretary-General expressed concern over the lack of progress in reversing developments in the fenced-off area. He emphasized the importance of refraining from unilateral actions that could heighten tensions and jeopardize the resumption of talks, calling on all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve their disputes.
“In Varosha, no steps were taken to address the call made by the Security Council in itsresolution 2373 (2024) for the immediate reversal of the actions taken since October 2020. UNFICYP did not observe any significant change in the 3.5 per cent of the area of Varosha for which it was announced in July 2021 that the military status had been lifted in preparation for renovation; however, the mission has limited access to that area. During the reporting period, UNFICYP observed the installation of 8 new cameras in Varosha, alongside one additional surveillance tower, which it protested. No change was observed to the previously reported trench and berm system established by the Turkish Forces south of the built-up part of Varosha and stretching nearly 4 km along the northern ceasefire line. Due to its proximity to the buffer zone, this remains a military violation. Many visitors also continued to visit the parts of the town progressively made accessible to the public. The previously reported vegetation clearing, electrical work, road paving and fence building continued. UNFICYP also again observed the repeated use of commercial drone overflights. Access to the entire area of Varosha by UNFICYP patrols has remained significantly constrained since 1974” is mentioned.
As regards Military Violations the report says that 227 violations were recorded (118 by Turkish forces and 109 by the National Guard), involving unauthorized military systems.
Both sides enhanced surveillance, with the Republic of Cyprus installing 31 surveillance towers and Turkish forces adding 49. New surveillance cameras were installed in Varosha, and infrastructure works continued. Access to the area for UNFICYP remains restricted.
It is added that a significant incident occurred when 30 Turkish soldiers approached a temporary asylum seeker camp but withdrew following UNFICYP intervention.
Humanitarian Issues and Refugees
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It is further noted that 142 asylum seekers, including 35 children, were stranded in the buffer zone due to pushbacks by the Republic of Cyprus. Humanitarian aid was provided in coordination with UNHCR. By November, all had been transferred to reception centers.
The Report indicate that the Cypriot police continued pushbacks, with 137 incursions linked to such actions.
Varosha’s current situation
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No steps were taken to reverse the partial opening of Varosha UNSG said in his report. UNFICYP observed the installation of eight new cameras and an additional surveillance tower, he adds.
Turkish forces constructed a defensive system near the southern part of Varosha, extending 4 km along the ceasefire line, which is classified as a military violation.
UNFICYP’s movement in Strovilia remains restricted, with Turkish-Cypriot forces maintaining excessive checkpoints.
Missing Persons’ Committee
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The committee exhumed the remains of four individuals during the reporting period. Since 2006, 1,689 remains have been recovered, with 1,051 identified and returned to their families.
Mines
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No progress was made on mine clearance within the buffer zone, although discussions for a mine-free Cyprus are ongoing.
Intercommunal Cooperation
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UNFICYP supported initiatives to strengthen cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in three areas:
1. Environmental Issues: Joint visits and discussions by NGOs on climate challenges.
2. Business and Culture: Promotion of intercommunal business collaborations.
3. Youth: Conferences and workshops promoting peace and climate collaboration.
Crossings and Religious Freedom:
– Crossings operated smoothly, with discussions about improving the Ayios Dometios/Metehan crossing point.
– Religious ceremonies were facilitated, ensuring the participation of Greek Cypriots and Maronites in the north.
The General Assembly approved a budget of $56.4 million for July 2024 to June 2025, with contributions from the Republic of Cyprus ($19.4 million) and Greece ($6.5 million). Outstanding contributions totaled $14.6 million.
The report underscores UNFICYP’s role in maintaining stability and promoting dialogue in Cyprus, highlighting that despite the challenges, humanitarian efforts and youth participation offer hope for building trust and achieving a peaceful resolution on the island.
