The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on Monday commemorated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of efforts to maintain peace and stability on the island.
The Special Representative and Head of UNFICYP, Colin Stewart, delivered remarks during the medal ceremony, reflecting on the mission’s commitment and the sacrifices made by its members.
Stewart began by welcoming dignitaries, ambassadors, and veterans, acknowledging the critical roles played by the various stakeholders in the peacekeeping efforts over the years.
He highlighted the inception of UNFICYP in 1964, initiated by the United Nations Security Council in response to escalating intercommunal violence in Cyprus. The force initially comprised 6,300 peacekeepers from various nations, he said.
Over the past 60 years, more than 150,000 peacekeepers from 43 countries have served in Cyprus, with 187 losing their lives in the line of duty. Stewart paid tribute to these individuals, stating, “We honour their memory today and pay tribute to their incredible dedication to bringing peace to a faraway country that is not their own.” This statement underscores the global commitment to peacekeeping and the personal sacrifices made by UN personnel.
The nature of UNFICYP has evolved significantly since its establishment, Stewart highlighted, with the force now comprising 920 military and police personnel, supported by 160 civilians.
The mission has increasingly focused on gender inclusion, becoming a leading example of gender diversity in UN peacekeeping operations, he remarked.
Stewart also noted the mission’s achievements in preventing the recurrence of fighting, contributing to the resolution of issues affecting the daily lives of Cypriots, and facilitating confidence-building measures between the communities.
The removal of 27,000 landmines and the support for civil society initiatives were noted as milestones in the mission’s history.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, with tensions persisting in the buffer zone and an increase in military violations. Stewart emphasised the need for a political solution to the Cyprus issue, stating, “But peacekeeping doesn’t resolve conflicts – the ultimate solution is necessarily political.”
Reflecting on the 60th anniversary, Stewart acknowledged the reality that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, expressing concern that “each year that passes the prospects of a settlement fade.”
He urged all parties, including Cypriots and the international community, to support the current efforts to find a resolution, emphasizing the importance of seizing the current opportunity to prevent future anniversaries marked by the ongoing conflict.
(Picture:Reuters/file)
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