During a Security Council meeting on Monday, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, described as “positive and constructive the attitude of both parties (Cyprus and Turkey) and that this understanding is a first step that will help the resumption of the peace process”.
During the briefing to the member states, the same sources told CNA that Mr. Stewart stressed that some details remain outstanding regarding the barrier to be built in the buffer zone because the agreement will build roads and allow people and goods to pass from the occupied to the free areas.
According to the European Union’s Green Line Regulation, this movement must be controlled and the details of the barrier to be built in the buffer zone are still outstanding.
The UN Special Representative also pointed out that with the agreement reached, a residential area will be created in that area, which is favorable to both sides who have properties there, adding that the first construction works are expected to start next week. He also stressed that the understanding maintains the integrity of the buffer zone and does not challenge it, as the Turks have tried to challenge it.
Several member states congratulated Colin Stewart on the achievement and welcomed the consensus reached and asked the Security Council to issue a “press statement”.
The French and Americans reportedly called for the appointment of an envoy to lead to the resumption of negotiations between the two sides. The Americans praised the political will and compromise shown by the two sides to reach this understanding.
