Guterres: "A Critical Eye is Essential for Progress on Cyprus"

In his "Good Offices Mission" and "UNFICYP" reports, covering June 13 to December 11, 2024, Guterres noted the inability to find common ground despite the efforts of his Special Representative, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, whose term ended in July 2024.

While recalling the informal dinner on October 15 between the two leaders and Guterres, the report urged both sides to agree on opening new crossing points and highlighted plans for a broader informal meeting with guarantor countries.

Persistent Violations and Refugee Pushbacks

The UNFICYP report pointed to ongoing violations in the buffer zone by both sides. It also criticized the Greek Cypriot administration for continuing refugee pushbacks via the Green Line and the sea, leaving 142 individuals, including 35 children, stranded in the buffer zone in November.

The report highlighted 137 violations by the Greek Cypriot "Aliens and Immigration Unit," whose behavior towards UN peacekeepers was described as aggressive. Guterres called for an investigation into the unit’s activities and stressed the importance of ensuring UNFICYP’s safety.

Leaders’ Positions

At the October 15 informal dinner in New York, TRNC President Ersin Tatar reiterated that formal negotiations could only resume once the Turkish Cypriot side's sovereign equality and international status are acknowledged. He also criticized the UN’s insistence on outdated Security Council resolutions and the failure of federation-based talks, citing the collapse of negotiations at Crans-Montana in 2017.

Guterres concluded by advocating seriousness in approaching the process, stating that a "mutually acceptable" solution remains achievable, while recommending the extension of UNFICYP’s mandate.

Source: AA