UN Security council condemns attack on UN peacekeeping personnel in pyla

Following its meeting yesterday evening to discuss the developments in the Pyla region, the UN Security Council issued a written statement expressing "serious concern" over the unauthorized construction work initiated by the Turkish Cypriot side and condemning the "attack" on UN Peacekeeping personnel.
The statement called on all parties to show flexibility and support the efforts of the Secretary-General's Special Representative to negotiate the progress achieved through mutual agreement in the relevant area.

STEWART'S BRIEFING

Last night, members of the UN Security Council convened to discuss the developments in the Pyla region. During the meeting, Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Chief of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), briefed the Security Council on the developments in the Pyla region.

Following Stewart's briefing, the UN Security Council issued a written statement regarding the developments in Pyla.
The statement reads as follows:

"The members of the Security Council expressed serious concern over the unauthorized construction initiated by the Turkish Cypriot side within the UN buffer zone near Pyla/Platia. The Security Council members highlighted that this action is contrary to Security Council resolutions and constitutes a violation of the status quo in the UN buffer zone.
The Security Council members condemned the attacks on the UN Peacekeeping Force and the damage caused to UN vehicles, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured UN Peacekeeping personnel. The Security Council members emphasized that attacks targeting the Peacekeeping Force could be considered a violation of international law and reaffirmed their full commitment to the safety and security of all UN Peacekeeping personnel.

CALL FOR FLEXIBILITY

The Security Council members welcomed the halt of the unauthorized construction by the Turkish Cypriot side and the removal of equipment and personnel. The Security Council members stressed the need for all parties to refrain from any unilateral actions or actions that could escalate tensions or jeopardize the possibility of a solution, and called on all parties to show flexibility and support the efforts of the Secretary-General's Special Representative to negotiate the progress achieved in the relevant area.

The Security Council members reaffirmed their full support for UNFICYP and its authorized mandate in the Buffer Zone and along its boundaries, and called for the removal of all unauthorized constructions and the prevention of any unauthorized military or civilian activities within and along the ceasefire lines.

The Security Council members reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive and just settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, in line with the aspirations of the people of Cyprus and the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Security Council members encouraged both sides to take concrete steps to support the efforts of the Secretary-General's Special Representative and work with UNFICYP to create a conducive environment.

REITERATION OF SPECIAL ENVOY APPOINTMENT PROPOSAL
The Security Council members also reiterated their call on the parties to reach an agreement on the appointment of a UN Special Envoy who could provide substantial support in seeking a common ground for the resumption of formal negotiations for a final solution in Cyprus.

The Security Council members agreed to keep the matter under review."