31.01.2025 21:22
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement regarding the extension of the UN Peacekeeping Force's mandate in Cyprus. Turkey called for the recognition of the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people and for a fair solution.
With the latest decision taken on Friday at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has been extended for another year. The proposal was submitted to the UNSC by the United Kingdom and Ireland. The decision was made unanimously in the UNSC.
REACTION FROM TURKEY
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a written statement regarding the UNSC's decision to extend the mandate of UNFICYP in Cyprus for another year.
The statement noted that Turkey supports the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) regarding this decision and emphasized that "while the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force is being extended, the approval of the Turkish Cypriot side has not been obtained this time, contrary to established UN practices."
"WE FEEL DISAPPOINTED"
The statement also included the following: "We remind that the activities of the UN Peacekeeping Force in the territory of the TRNC can only be carried out within the framework of the goodwill of the TRNC authorities, and we emphasize that it is essential to quickly establish a legal basis for the continuation of these activities. We underline that we will fully support the steps the TRNC side will take in this context. On the other hand, we feel deep disappointment at the UNSC's insistence on referring to outdated and potentially irrelevant solution models in this year's decision to extend the mandate of the Peacekeeping Force."
A fair, lasting, and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue can only be found based on the realities on the ground. We call on the UNSC to accept this reality and to recognize the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people, which are their inherent rights.