The UN Security Council voted on a draft resolution unanimously submitted by the United Kingdom to extend the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus until 31 January 2026. The resolution stresses “its full support for the Secretary-General’s ongoing efforts and reiterating the importance of openness, flexibility and compromise in finding common ground with the goal of returning to formal negotiations, and urging the sides to renew their efforts to achieve an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality.”
The UK, which holds the penholder role for Cyprus, circulated the first draft on 17 January, and after discussions and revisions, the draft passed the silence procedure on 29 January and was formally placed on 30 January.
The resolution maintains the core mandate and tasks of UNFICYP, as defined in last year’s Resolution 2723 (30 January 2024), with certain modifications based on recent developments.
“Urges both sides and all involved parties to take steps to de-escalate tensions in and around the buffer zone and to refrain from actions which are not conducive to the broader peace process, stresses the importance of respecting the integrity and inviolability of the buffer zone and emphasising the importance of refraining from actions which undermine UNFICYP’s mandated authority therein. Recalls its Presidential Statement (S/PRST/2021/13) and all relevant resolutions and statements by the President regarding Varosha,” is mentioned.
UN’s role in the Cyprus peace process is reaffirmed while the Security Council stresses its supports of the UN Secretary-General’s Good Offices and his role in facilitating negotiations.
It acknowledges that finding a solution rests primarily on Cypriots but emphasizes the UN’s assistance in achieving a settlement.
It further welcomes the constructive steps taken by Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, including their informal meetings on 15 October 2024 and 20 January 2025, where they discussed opening new crossing points.
Ιt urges both sides to engage in negotiations with openness, flexibility, and compromise to resume formal talks.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led efforts to reunite the island under a federal roof have so far been unsuccessful.
