As Unficyp commemorates 60 years on Cyprus soil, the urgent call to resolve the island’s longstanding divide echoes through the halls of Nicosia’s old town hall. Chief Colin Stewart urges swift action, emphasizing that peacekeeping is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution, underscoring the need for all stakeholders to come together and forge a lasting resolution.
What is the urgency behind the call to solve the Cyprus problem on Unficyp’s 60-year anniversary?
The urgency behind the call to solve the Cyprus problem on Unficyp’s 60-year anniversary stems from the prolonged presence of peacekeepers, indicating the unresolved and persistent divide. Colin Stewart, Unficyp’s chief, emphasized that peacekeeping is not a permanent fix but a temporary measure, urging stakeholders to work towards a lasting resolution.
Decades of Peacekeeping: A Solemn Milestone
The UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus, known as Unficyp, marks 60 years on the island, highlighting a bittersweet commemoration of efforts to stabilize the region. Colin Stewart, the chief of Unficyp, took the anniversary as an imperative to encourage decisive action towards a resolution. At a poignant event in Nicosia’s old town hall, Stewart emphasized that peacekeeping is a temporary measure, not a permanent solution. Initially, with a three-month mandate, Unficyp’s extended stay signals a profound and persistent divide that requires immediate attention.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos honored the sacrifice of 187 peacekeepers who have died in the line of duty. The stark reality is that the Cyprus problem has withstood the test of time, remaining unsolved for decades. The call to action by Stewart resonates with urgency, urging all stakeholders to embrace the chance provided by the Secretary-General’s appointment of a personal envoy to facilitate peace. A solution is imperative to bridge the communities and reduce the militarization that plagues the buffer zone.
Unficyp’s Transformation Through Time
Throughout its 60-year tenure, Unficyp has undergone significant changes, adapting to the dynamic needs of Cyprus. From a robust force of 6,000 military and police personnel in 1964, it has evolved into a compact, integrated team of around 1,100 individuals. This team includes women in prominent roles, reflecting shifts in gender equality and leadership. The mission’s focus has stayed consistent: to prevent further conflict and foster conditions that would enable a settlement, building trust and hope for a united future.
Stewart’s address noted the transformation of the peacekeeping force in both size and scope. Kombos presented a commemorative plaque to Unficyp, acknowledging its long-standing service to Cyprus. The underlying sentiment of the event was clear — while the peacekeeping efforts are deeply appreciated, their continued necessity is a stark reminder of the ongoing need for a lasting resolution to the Cyprus problem.
The Path Forward: Resolution and Reconciliation
The presence of Unficyp serves as a call for a renewed commitment to peace. Despite the decades of peacekeeping, the island remains partitioned, with Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots separated by the Green Line. The international community’s role in supporting a viable solution is critical. The time has come for all parties involved to unite and make strides toward reconciliation and unity.
As the international community reflects on the 60-year anniversary of Unficyp, the aspirations for peace in Cyprus remain at the forefront. The path forward is laden with challenges, yet with the collective will, a future where Unficyp’s presence is no longer necessary seems within reach. The hope is that the next anniversary will be celebrated in a reconciled and peaceful Cyprus, where the legacy of Unficyp is a testament to the power of enduring peace efforts.
What is the significance of Unficyp commemorating 60 years on Cyprus soil?
Unficyp commemorating 60 years on Cyprus soil highlights the prolonged presence of peacekeepers on the island and the ongoing divide that requires urgent resolution. Chief Colin Stewart’s call for decisive action emphasizes the need for a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem.
How has Unficyp evolved over its 60-year tenure?
Unficyp has evolved from a large force of 6,000 military and police personnel in 1964 to a more compact, integrated team of around 1,100 individuals. The mission’s focus remains on preventing conflict and fostering conditions for a settlement. The inclusion of women in prominent roles reflects changes in gender equality and leadership within the organization.
Why is there a call for swift action to resolve the Cyprus problem?
The call for swift action to resolve the Cyprus problem is urgent because peacekeeping, while commendable, is considered a temporary fix and not a permanent solution. With the divide persisting for decades, stakeholders must come together to forge a lasting resolution that bridges the gap between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and reduces militarization in the buffer zone.
What is the path forward for achieving resolution and reconciliation in Cyprus?
The path forward for achieving resolution and reconciliation in Cyprus involves a renewed commitment to peace from all parties involved. The international community plays a critical role in supporting a viable solution that unites Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. With collective will and determination, a future where Unficyp’s presence is no longer necessary can be within reach, paving the way for a reconciled and peaceful Cyprus.
