Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 96-12-27

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

News Update

27/12/96

CONTENTS

• [01] UN expresses concern about excessive armament in Cyprus

[01] UN expresses concern about excessive armament in Cyprus

The resolution adopted Monday unanimously calls for steps to facilitate a new diplomatic drive to reunite the island.

It expresses grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Cyprus and deplores the fact that "intercommunal tensions on the island have escalated and, over the last six-month period, violence along the cease-fire lines has reached a level not seen since 1974".

The resolution deplores the summer's violent incidents in the UN-controlled buffer zone, "in particular the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force by the Turkish/Turkish Cypriot side, as well as the largely passive role played by the Cypriot police in response to civilian demonstrations".

It emphasises "the need to maintain law and order and, in this context, demands that both parties prevent unauthorised incursions into the buffer zone, and respond immediately and responsibly to any demonstrations which violate the buffer zone and any demonstrations near the buffer zone that might lead to an increase in tensions."

Moreover, it expresses concern over the "excessive levels of military forces and armaments in the Republic of Cyprus and the rate at which they are being expanded, upgraded and modernised, including by the introduction of sophisticated weaponry".

This along with the lack of progress in reducing the number of foreign troops in Cyprus, it adds, "threaten to raise tensions both on the island and in the region and complicate efforts to negotiate an overall political settlement".

The Security Council reiterates its concern that negotiations on a final political solution have been at an impasse for too long and urges both sides "to accept as a package, without delay or preconditions, the reciprocal measures proposed by UNFICYP," to reduce tension along the cease- fire line.

It calls upon the military authorities on both sides to clear all minefields and booby-trapped areas in the UN-controlled buffer zone, to cease military construction in its immediate vicinity and to refrain from any military exercises along the buffer zone.

The resolution expresses concern about military exercises in the region, including overflights in the airspace of Cyprus, noting these have increased political tension and undermined efforts towards achieving a settlement.

To restore confidence between the two parties, it urges "all concerned to commit themselves to a reduction in defence spending and a reduction in the number of foreign troops" in Cyprus.

It notes that this will be "a step towards the withdrawal of non-Cypriot forces, as described in the Set of Ideas" and stresses the importance of the island's "eventual demilitarisation as an objective for an overall comprehensive settlement". It call upon the Secretary-General to continue to promote efforts in this direction.

The resolution repeats the status quo is "unacceptable" and stresses its support for the Secretary-General's mission of good offices.

It welcomes the efforts of the Representative of the Secretary-General and of those working in support "to prepare the ground for open-ended direct negotiations in the first half of 1997 between the leaders of the two Cypriot communities in order to secure an overall settlement".

It calls upon the parties to cooperate with the Special Representative to that end, as well as with his intensified preparatory work in the first months of 1997 with the objective of clarifying the main elements of an overall settlement.

It underlines that the success of this process will require the creation of genuine mutual confidence on both sides and the avoidance of actions which increase tension and calls upon the leaders of both communities to create a climate of reconciliation and confidence.

The Security Council reaffirms its position that a Cyprus settlement "must be based on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded, and comprising two politically equal communities" as described in UN resolutions providing for a bicommunal and bizonal federation, excluding any form of partition or secession.

It welcomes the efforts by UNFICYP to implement its humanitarian mandate in respect of Greek Cypriots and Maronites enclaved in the Turkish-occupied part and Turkish Cypriots living in the government-controlled free areas, as well as the promotion of bicommunal events and "strongly urges all concerned and especially the Turkish Cypriot community leadership to lift all obstacles to such contacts."

The UN resolution reaffirms that "the decision of the European Union concerning the opening of accession negotiations with Cyprus is an important new development that should facilitate an overall settlement."

In conclusion, it requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by 10 June 1997 on the implementation of this resolution.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article