United Nations		S/2006/315
	Security Council				Distr.: General 23 May 2006 Original: English

 

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE UNITED NATIONS
OPERATION IN CYPRUS

 

           I.   Introduction

 

1.       The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments from 25 November 2005 to 17 May 2006 and brings up to date the record of activities carried out by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) and subsequent Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1642 (2005).

2.       On 31 December 2005, Zbigniew Wlosowicz relinquished his post and on 1 January 2006, Michael Møller succeeded him as my Special Representative and Chief of Mission. The Force Commander, Major General Hebert Figoli (Uruguay), ended his tour of duty on 5 January 2006, and was succeeded by Major General Rafael Barni (Argentina) on 6 March 2006. As at 15 May, the strength of the military component stood at 859, all ranks, and the strength of the police component stood at 69 (see annex).

 

      II.   Mission of good offices and other developments

 

3.       Over the past six months, both the Greek Cypriot leader and the Turkish Cypriot leader renewed their calls for a resumption of my mission of good offices. While there were signals of some willingness to begin to re-engage, there have been no tangible indicators of an evolution in the respective positions.

4.       On 28 February, I met the Greek Cypriot leader, Tassos Papadopoulos, in Paris. I conveyed my assessment that the situation was not yet ripe for the resumption of full-fledged political talks and expressed my concern that the gap between words and deeds was still too wide. I encouraged him to do what he could to narrow those gaps. In March, I conveyed to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, my readiness to meet with him at a mutually convenient time following his full recovery from a recent medical intervention.

5.       In the course of the reporting period, I also had the opportunity to meet with both Greek and Turkish officials. Late in March, I met with the Greek Foreign Minister to discuss the situation in Cyprus and related issues. In January and March respectively, I met the Turkish Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The object of the discussions was the action plan on lifting of restrictions in Cyprus put forward by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gül, on 20 January 2006 (see A/60/657-S/2006/48, annex). In that connection, Nicosia indicated on 31 January that it was not in a position to accept Ankara’s proposals (see A/60/671-S/2006/82). Athens held a similar view. I have since held extensive consultations on the proposals.

6.       My new Special Representative took up his duties early in January and started to explore options to encourage progress on the ground and possibilities for a resumption of contacts between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, which had been suspended for over two years. In February, both agreed to a proposal to establish a mechanism for them to engage on issues of common concern through bicommunal discussions at the technical level. My Special Representative has since been involved in efforts aimed at reaching an agreement on the modalities for such discussions. In order to gauge the pulse of the communities, and build a broad base of support for progress toward the reunification of Cyprus, my Special Representative has also been in contact with wide sectors of civil society and with the wider diplomatic community on the island.

7.       The bicommunal discussions at the technical level are not intended to be a substitute for the negotiating process towards a comprehensive settlement in the framework of my mission of good offices, but a step aimed at building trust and understanding, paving the way for the resumption of full-scale negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement. For the time being, both leaders have agreed in principle to my proposal that they meet on the occasion of the installation of the new third member of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, anticipated for June 2006.

 

        III.   Activities of the force

 

             A.    Prevention of a recurrence of fighting and maintenance of
the military status quo

 

8.       The military and security situation along the ceasefire lines remained generally stable. Overall, the opposing forces showed cooperation and exercised restraint. The number of incidents during the reporting period increased, although most were minor in nature. The Force recorded 468 incidents from November to May as compared to 397 for the same period in 2005. Minor incidents included overmanning, enhancements to military positions, stone-throwing, weapon-pointing and incursions into the buffer zone. Incidents of a more significant nature included cocking and pointing of weapons and hunting incidents. The noted increase may be attributed in part to the UNFICYP mobile concept of operations implemented since 2004, which brings the United Nations Force into more direct contact with the National Guard and the Turkish Forces/Turkish Cypriot Security Forces and facilitates detection of incidents.

9.       A confrontation over the opening of a new crossing point at Ledra Street in old Nicosia substantially heightened tensions in the early weeks of the reporting period. Both the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots had agreed to open a new crossing point at Ledra Street with UNFICYP facilitation. However, late in November, the Turkish Cypriots decided unilaterally to construct a footbridge over a Turkish Forces patrol track close to the northern edge of the buffer zone. The south was unwilling to open its side of the crossing unless the bridge was removed while the north was unwilling to open its side without the bridge. The south also withdrew its consent for the United Nations to carry out the necessary repair work on the street inside the buffer zone which, for safety reasons, must precede any opening. Tensions subsided in January but neither side has been willing to compromise and Ledra Street remains closed. Both have challenged UNFICYP demarcation of the buffer zone in the area, compounding the difficulties of reaching a solution.

10.     Disputes over demarcation of ceasefire lines and the authority of UNFICYP in the buffer zone increased. This is a long-standing problem, dating back to the failure of the opposing forces to agree on the ceasefire lines in the 1970s. Faced repeatedly with the practical problem of determining violations, in 1989 UNFICYP developed an aide-memoire on the supervision of the ceasefire in Cyprus, which remains the authoritative functional guide for UNFICYP. It was at the time presented to, though not accepted by, both sides. As part of an initiative to ensure that both sides honour UNFICYP authority in the buffer zone and decrease incidents and violations of the status quo, UNFICYP has invited them to engage in consultations to review the aide-memoire and the overall management of the buffer zone.

11.     Over the past three months two violations of the status quo raised tensions in and along the buffer zone. The National Guard replaced and substantially improved an observation post in the vicinity of Dherinia by erecting a significantly larger structure. UNFICYP objected to the construction and repeatedly asked the National Guard to dismantle it and return the position to the status quo ante. At the time of writing, the National Guard had unmanned the position but the structure remained in place. The Turkish Forces initially did not react but then chose to construct a new observation post in the same vicinity. It is also currently unmanned. Each side cited previous infractions by the other to justify its own actions. Unless dismantled, both structures will be recorded as permanent violations. In general, both sides continued to react to provocative actions of the other rather than exercise restraint in order to defuse a situation.

12.     The lifting of the restrictions on freedom of movement of UNFICYP personnel in the north referred to in my report of May 2005 (S/2005/353, para. 15) made possible restoration of operations in areas previously restricted. However, in January, new restrictions were placed on UNFICYP by the Turkish Forces on buffer zone crossing points in sector 4 to the east of Nicosia. UNFICYP police also faced movement restrictions in the Karpas area affecting operations of the small UNFICYP police team based in Leonarisso; meanwhile, a solution was found enabling UNFICYP police to operate effectively in the area.

13.     Turkish Forces continued to man the checkpoint at the Louroujina pocket despite repeated protests by UNFICYP. The United Nations continues to hold the Government of Turkey responsible for the status quo in Varosha. The Turkish Forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces remain in violation of the military status quo in Strovilia. Since March 2006, they have been manning the position with two soldiers whereas previously one soldier occupied the post. UNFICYP also noted an increase in the frequency of visits by senior officers to the position over the same period.

14.     Both forces continue to perceive one another as a potential threat. That perception is reinforced by political and military commentary on both sides. The vast majority of incidents occur in areas where opposing forces are in close proximity to one another, in particular in the Nicosia area where stone-throwing, ill discipline, threats and weapon-pointing incidents are a routine occurrence. Previous UNFICYP unmanning proposals have not been implemented owing to reservations held by both sides. UNFICYP intends to resume efforts to encourage the military of both sides to pull back from the buffer zone and unman positions in old Nicosia.

15.     The United Nations military observer and liaison officer teams continued to make improvements in the exchange of information and the resolution of incidents. There is nevertheless room for improvement in the cooperation of opposing forces with the teams, which are an essential component of the new force structure. Further efforts will be made in the coming months to promote greater cooperation between the regimental commanders of the opposing forces and UNFICYP military observer and liaison officers.

 

       B.    Demining in the buffer zone

 

16.     Of the 48 minefields originally identified in the buffer zone, 20 have been cleared to date. Since National Guard minefields in the buffer zone had been cleared (with the exception of a small section in the Louroujina pocket), the focus during the reporting period was on Turkish military minefields in the Nicosia area, with four minefields, comprising 383,293 square metres, cleared. The Mine Action Centre activity is currently focused on the remaining minefields in the Nicosia area listed by the Turkish side for clearance. Since February, UNFICYP has been in consultation with the Turkish Forces to extend demining beyond the Nicosia area to the rest of the buffer zone. The Mine Action project is currently funded until the end of July 2006 and an agreement has been reached with the European Union to release a further €1 million to fund the programme until the end of 2006. An estimated €6 million would then be required to complete the demining project in the buffer zone.

 

    C.    Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

 

17.     UNFICYP continued to cooperate with its United Nations partners and the sides to facilitate projects of common benefit for Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots in the buffer zone and to promote confidence-building measures between them. The bicommunal road construction project in the buffer zone at the Astromeritis/Bostanci crossing point, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services, was completed. UNFICYP obtained agreement for the operation of the crossing point on a 24-hour basis, commencing on 30 March 2006. The mission also facilitated other infrastructure improvements for the benefit of the civilian population in the buffer zone including the construction of the Akaki River dam west of Nicosia, road construction in the village of Mammari and the building of a warehouse in Peristerona.

18.     Movement of people and trade across the buffer zone continued. UNFICYP has recorded a total of about 10.6 million crossings since the opening of the crossing points in April 2003. Approximately ₤C1.5 million (about $3 million) worth of goods crossed the Green Line from the north to the south and ₤C350,000 (approximately $700,000) worth of goods crossed from the south to the north. Only a fraction of the crossings have had any incidents associated with them; however, three years after the first opening, there is little to no evidence of integration.

19.     During the reporting period, UNFICYP facilitated 43 bicommunal events with the participation of 1,340 people. These events were held in Ledra Palace in the buffer zone, which continues to be seen as an essential neutral place to host sensitive activities involving members of the two communities. Regular monthly meetings between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political party leaders also continued to be held at Ledra Palace under the auspices of the Embassy of Slovakia. At their invitation, my Special Representative used the occasion of the meeting held in April to brief the political party leaders on his proposals to re-engage the two sides towards a solution of the Cyprus problem.

20.     UNFICYP continued discussions with the Greek Cypriot side regarding the establishment of a Turkish primary school in Limassol, which is not yet operational. Since my last report, UNFICYP has pursued the matter by exploring various options with both sides. The Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ Union filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court to guarantee Turkish Cypriots’ right to an education in their mother tongue. The trial began on 5 May. The special measures to upgrade the provision of primary education in the existing Greek Cypriot school for Turkish Cypriot students described in my previous report (S/2005/743 and Corr.1, para. 20) are now in place. Late in March the Greek Cypriots offered to consult further with UNFICYP on modalities for opening a separate school; these consultations remain pending. UNFICYP continued to mediate the appointment of one additional teacher for the Greek Cypriot secondary school in Rizokarpaso.

21.     In January, in the mixed village of Pyla in the buffer zone, UNFICYP assisted in bringing the children of the two communities together for a cultural event which was marked by the planting of joint “friendship trees” in their respective schools. The two schools, which are 100 metres apart, had not held any joint activities in almost 30 years. On 30 November, teachers of the two schools held a reconciliation workshop with UNFICYP support, in which pedagogical methods were also discussed.

22.     UNFICYP conducted 64 humanitarian convoys, money deliveries and humanitarian visits as part of its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 385 Greek Cypriots and 132 Maronites living in the north. UNFICYP continued to assist Turkish Cypriots living in the south in obtaining identity documents, housing, welfare services, medical care, employment and education. On 24 April, UNFICYP facilitated the pilgrimage of 300 Greek Cypriots to Saint George’s Church in Varisha in the buffer zone. In addition, UNFICYP mediated with both the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots for cooperation on the preservation and restoration of cultural and religious sites, particularly in the north.

23.     UNFICYP has observed an emerging trend of an increase in unauthorized construction of buildings for personal and commercial use and utilization of land outside the areas designated for civilian use in the buffer zone, especially in the vicinity of Pyla and other eastern areas located in sector 4. These are primarily projects carried out by Greek Cypriots. UNFICYP has initiated discussions with the relevant authorities to establish practical procedures ensuring that civilian use of the buffer zone does not compromise the security situation or hamper the ability of UNFICYP to carry out its mandated functions.

24.     UNFICYP police continued to strengthen the working relationship with both sides on enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement and maintaining law and order in and around the buffer zone. Both the north and the south report an increase in crime through the buffer zone, such as smuggling of goods, including cigarettes, explosives (fireworks) and narcotics, and human trafficking. Local police and municipal authorities have begun to show some willingness to cooperate with UNFICYP on such matters and UNFICYP police have established a coordination mechanism to research and map reported crimes occurring in and across the buffer zone. UNFICYP police have also strengthened their patrolling capability and now conduct joint patrols with UNIFCYP military in the Nicosia area. Increased interaction with the police services on the island facilitated good cooperation in dealing with public order and safety matters in the buffer zone, such as demonstrations, pilgrimages, hunter incursions and medical emergency transportation. Continued attempts to enhance information-sharing between the north and the south on criminal matters affecting both sides have met with little success. UNFICYP police continued to visit prisons in order to monitor the general conditions and fair treatment of Turkish Cypriots in the south and Greek Cypriots in the north. During the reporting period, there were 4 Greek Cypriots detained and released in the north; there are currently 27 Turkish Cypriots serving sentences in the south.

25.     UNFICYP continued to coordinate activities on gender-related issues. On International Women’s Day, UNFICYP hosted a bicommunal panel of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot women to discuss the subject of trafficking of women in Cyprus. A bicommunal anti-trafficking group was formed at the event and will meet periodically under United Nations auspices at Ledra Palace. In addition, UNFICYP continued to organize meetings and activities of the bicommunal Cypriot Women’s Policy Group, a group of prominent women who meet periodically to discuss modalities for cooperation between the two communities.

26.     My new Special Representative has emphasized the need for greater cohesiveness in the efforts of the United Nations system in Cyprus. UNFICYP has been coordinating more closely with the United Nations Development Programme, represented on the island by two projects: Action for Cooperation and Trust and Partnership for the Future. Action for Cooperation and Trust was launched in November 2005 to build networks of cooperation between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities. To date, the project has contributed to several joint activities between the north and the south to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. It has also facilitated a process of consultations among veterinary and health experts from the north, the south and the international community, including the World Health Organization, which intensified when avian influenza was found in birds on the island in January. Action for Cooperation and Trust has also collaborated with UNFICYP on the issue of religious and cultural heritage sites.

27.     The project, Partnership for the Future, focuses on the rehabilitation of the old city of Nicosia in cooperation with the Nicosia Master Plan and provides direct support to small businesses on both sides of the island through targeted capacity-building activities and grant schemes. Following the commitment made by the European Union in 2004 to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community, the project was entrusted by the European Union with helping to reduce the socio-economic imbalance between the two communities, thereby facilitating the reconciliation process. The project does this through targeted technical assistance initiatives covering private sector development, infrastructure development and the preservation of cultural heritage, and feasibility studies for the economic development of the northern part of Cyprus.

 

    IV.   Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus

 

28.     In the course of the reporting period, the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus finalized the project proposal document on the exhumation, identification and return of remains of missing persons. This marked the end of a lengthy process of discussions, analysis and consultations with all entities involved. The Committee decided to place emphasis on local participation and ownership, thereby strengthening the project’s potential positive impact on the broader reconciliation process. Progress has also been made with regard to the necessary infrastructure. As agreed, an anthropological laboratory was built in the buffer zone for the examination and storage of the remains of missing persons. The Turkish Cypriot laboratory involved in DNA testing is operational. The project will be launched as soon as the necessary funding has been secured. All progress to date has been made possible by voluntary contributions.

29.     Exhumations were carried out twice for capacity assessment purposes under the supervision of an international forensic expert. This occasion brought together, for the first time, the Committee’s new bicommunal team of archaeologists and anthropologists, composed of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot scientists who will play a major role throughout the project. Both sides agreed to the appointment of a new third member of the Committee, Christophe Girod, who will assume his duties in the course of June 2006.

 

       V.   Financial aspects

 

30.     As indicated in my previous report (S/2005/743 and Corr.1), the General Assembly, in its resolution 59/284 B, appropriated for UNFICYP the amount of $46.5 million. In this regard, I am grateful for the voluntary contribution of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $14.7 million, by the Government of Cyprus, and the voluntary contribution of $6.5 million by the Government of Greece Other countries and organizations might wish to do likewise, in order to reduce the portion of the cost of UNFICYP covered by assessed contributions.

31.     My proposed budget for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007, which amounts to some $45.0 million, is currently under consideration by the General Assembly, which is expected to act on it shortly.

32.     As at 31 January 2006, the total outstanding assessed contributions to the special account for UNFICYP for the period from 16 June 1993 to 15 June 2006 amounted to $25.4 million. The total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations as at the same date amounted to $2,664.5 million.

33. Reimbursement of troop and contingent-owned equipment costs has been made for the periods up to 31 January 2006 and 31 December 2005, respectively, in accordance with the quarterly payment schedule.

 

        VI.   Observations

 

34.     Over the past six months, the ceasefire in Cyprus was maintained and the situation remained stable. On the whole, both sides extended good cooperation to UNFICYP, with some exceptions. Threats to United Nations peacekeepers by soldiers of opposing forces and disagreements with UNFICYP over the delineation of the buffer zone are indications that both sides are willing to take security risks to make gains on the ground or score points against each other. Differing opinions on the regime in the buffer zone inevitably lead to encroachments and changes to the status quo. In the absence of agreed ceasefire lines, the National Guard and the Turkish Forces/Turkish Cypriot Security Forces should respect UNFICYP operational determinations on the parameters of the buffer zone. Such a message, if delivered by the command structures of the military on both sides to their rank and file, would help to reduce misunderstandings on the ground, thereby enhancing the security of UNFICYP soldiers.

35.     The increase in civilian construction in the buffer zone may be a consequence of greater confidence in the security situation. While that would constitute a positive development as an indicator of normalization of conditions, the ability of UNFICYP to ensure security will be steadily eroded by continued construction, without UNFICYP approval, of residential and commercial facilities outside areas designated for civilian use. It is hoped that both sides will extend their cooperation to UNFICYP in that regard.

36.     It is clear that an early completion of the work of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus and a solution to the issue of the missing persons would greatly contribute to reconciliation on the island. The appointment of the third member affords an opportunity to all concerned to redouble their efforts and put aside political considerations, in order to close this painful humanitarian chapter. I would urge the donor community to contribute to that effort.

37.     I note with satisfaction the progress in demining efforts in the buffer zone. I appeal to the international community to lend its full support to the successful completion of the demining efforts in the Nicosia area, in the whole of the buffer zone and ultimately the whole of the island.

38.     Over the past six months UNFICYP has continued to build on the advantages of the force structure adopted early in 2005 and to steadily improve coordination among its civilian, military and police components under the new concept of operations. I intend to continue to keep the operations of UNFICYP under review, with the aim of making recommendations for possible further adjustments at the appropriate time, taking into account conditions on the ground and progress at the political level.

39.     I continue to believe that only the achievement of a comprehensive settlement will bring an end to the Cyprus problem. In the absence of such a comprehensive settlement, the presence of UNFICYP on the island continues to be necessary. I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months, until 15 December 2006.

40.     At this juncture, it is important for the parties to resume contacts and to begin to think about how to re-engage in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. I continue to believe that there is a need to match words with action. To that end, my Special Representative has engaged in a process aimed at encouraging renewed contacts. As already indicated, I intend to dispatch the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs to Cyprus, Greece and Turkey in the near future to assess the political situation in and around Cyprus and the prospects for a full resumption of my good offices. My Special Representative will continue to function as a high-level point of contact on the ground for the two sides.

41.     In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to Zbigniew Wlosowicz for his dedicated service over five years as Chief of Mission of UNFICYP and to Major General Figoli for his command of the Force. I also extend my appreciation to Michael Møller and Major General Rafael Barni, and to the men and women serving in UNFICYP, for the efficiency and dedication with which they have discharged the responsibilities entrusted to them by the Security Council.

 

Annex

 

                     Countries providing military and civilian police personnel
as at 15 May 2006

 

Country	Military personnel	Civilian police
Argentinaa	295	4
Australia	—	15
Austria	4	—
Bosnia and Herzegovina	—	4
Canada	1	—
Croatia	—	2
El Salvador	—	8
Hungary	84	—
India	—	7
Italy	—	4
Ireland	—	18
Netherlands	—	7
Slovakiab	200	—
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	275	—
Total	859	69

 

^a  The Argentinean contingent includes soldiers from Brazil (1), Chile (15), Paraguay (15) and Peru (14).

^b  The Slovakian contingent includes soldiers from Croatia (4).

 

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	United Nations		S/2005/743/Corr.1
	Security Council				Distr.: General 8 December 2005 Original: English

 

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE UNITED NATIONS
OPERATION IN CYPRUS

Corrigendum

Paragraphs 26-28

 

For the existing text, substitute

26.      In the course of the reporting period, the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus held 20 meetings leading to progress on a number of issues. On
30 June, the Committee reached an agreement in principle on a common programme of exhumations and identification scheduled to begin during the spring of 2006. Another agreement was reached in September on the establishment in the buffer zone of an anthropological laboratory, where the remains collected on both sides will be stored. Once completed, the laboratory will be staffed by the Inforce Foundation Centre for Forensic Science Technology and Law, an agency based in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. On 11 November, the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus announced that should the preparations run as expected, the programme of exhumations and identification would begin during the spring of 2006. The project — which should be financed by voluntary contributions in order to meet all costs — is expected to last three or four years. It will be carried out under the aegis of the Committee, while the funds will be administered by the United Nations Development Programme. Expenses have so far been covered by funds provided by Greek Cypriots, Greece and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

27.      For the programme of identification by DNA, the Committee will benefit from the cooperation of a department of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics. It has been agreed that the institute will be reinforced with the participation of two Turkish Cypriot scientists. Furthermore, a Turkish Cypriot laboratory is in the process of being upgraded for the programme of exhumations and identification. In July, the Committee appointed two scientific advisers, a Greek Cypriot scientist and a Turkish Cypriot scientist, to help with the implementation of the programme of identification by DNA of missing persons of both communities.

28.      For about six weeks in the summer, the Committee undertook an emergency programme of exhumations in the north, under the supervision of an Inforce forensic expert, with positive results. Meanwhile, on 21 November, the Turkish Government pledged a financial contribution to the work of the Committee.

 

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	United Nations		S/2005/743
	Security Council				Distr.: General 29 November 2005 Original: English

 

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE UNITED NATIONS
OPERATION IN CYPRUS

I. Introduction

1. The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments from 21 May to 24 November 2005 and brings up to date the record of activities carried out by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) and subsequent Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1604 (2005).

2. UNFICYP continued to be led by my Special Representative and Chief of Mission , Zbigniew Wlosowicz, assisted by the Force Commander, Major-General Hebert Figoli ( Uruguay ). As at 15 November, the strength of the military component stood at 841 all ranks, and the strength of the police component stood at 69 (see annex).

 

II. Good offices mission

 

3. During the reporting period, there was no substantial change in the position of the two sides on my mission of good offices. From 16 to 20 May, Kieran Prendergast, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs at that time, held a week of preliminary informal discussions in New York with a Greek Cypriot delegation to explore the possibility of resuming negotiations. Subsequently, at my request, between 30 May and 7 June, Mr. Prendergast undertook consultations in Cyprus , Greece and Turkey to seek their respective views on the role of the United Nations in the current circumstances.

4. Mr. Prendergast presented a detailed briefing on his consultations and findings to the Security Council on 22 June (see SC/8422). He also conveyed my view that, mindful of my responsibilities, I remained committed to assisting the parties in achieving a settlement since, as a general proposition, my good offices ought to be available to the parties requesting them. Moreover, the persistence of the status quo on the island was unacceptable, as the Council has made clear on many occasions. At the same time, I felt that launching a new process prematurely would be inadvisable and I hoped that the Council would agree that nothing positive would be achieved by a new effort that would end, as previous efforts had done, in failure or stalemate.

5. As things stood, I believed that it would be prudent to proceed very carefully and I intended to reflect on the future of my mission of good offices in the period ahead, taking full account of the reaction of the Council to Mr. Prendergast’s briefing as well as developments on the ground, and, in particular, any evolution in the position of the parties.

6. Depending on the evolution of the situation and the attitudes on the island, Mr. Prendergast noted in his briefing to the Council that it might become appropriate for me to consider appointing a Special Adviser, on a when-actually-employed basis, who would engage the parties in exploring whether the necessary common ground existed or could be established to enable full-scale negotiations to resume.

7. Within the framework of my good offices, I met with the Greek Cypriot leader, Tassos Papadopoulos, on 16 September and with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, on 31 October. Mr. Papadopoulos asked me to continue my good offices mission and to consider holding a new round of talks. He concurred that, for the next round of talks to resume, it must be well prepared. Mr. Talat also urged me to resume negotiations in the shortest time possible. Similar calls were made by Greece and Turkey , a number of other Member States and other interested parties. In addition, Mr. Talat raised the issue of ending the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, a matter which had already been addressed in my report of May 2004 (S/2004/437).

 

III. Activities of the Force

 

A. Prevention of a recurrence of fighting and maintenance of the military status quo

 

8. The military situation along the ceasefire lines remained generally calm and stable. Overall, the opposing forces showed cooperation and exercised restraint. Since the implementation of the new concept of operations of UNFICYP in February 2005, the number of incidents had gradually declined and most were minor in nature. The Force recorded 341 incidents between May and September this year as compared with 440 for the same period in 2004. The number of air violations decreased from 30 in the last reporting period to 25; one by a Turkish military aircraft, one by a Cyprus Police helicopter and the remaining 23 of unknown or civilian origin.

9. There were, however, four incidents of significant concern: an incursion into the buffer zone by Turkish Forces in the Louroujina Pocket involving a threat to the Force Commander and other UNFICYP military personnel; the placement of a series of buoys by Turkish Forces close to the western maritime security line; the entry into the buffer zone and the removal of a Turkish flag from a Turkish Cypriot observation post by a Greek Cypriot civilian; and shots fired at UNFICYP personnel by a Greek Cypriot hunter. For the first time since 2001, the National Guard conducted its “Nikiforos” military exercise, and subsequently, the Turkish Forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces held their “Toros” military exercise on 23 November.

10. The events in Louroujina began in mid-August when Turkish Forces placed construction materials inside the buffer zone. The materials were moved following a protest by UNFICYP, but the Turkish Forces then proceeded to construct a new checkpoint immediately adjacent to the buffer zone. This violation of the status quo was again protested by UNFICYP. On 31 August, a United Nations patrol encountered a company-size Turkish Forces patrol inside the buffer zone in the same area and asked them to leave. The UNFICYP Force Commander came to the site and, upon his arrival, Turkish soldiers cocked and pointed their weapons at him and other UNFICYP personnel. Ultimately, agreement was reached to freeze all activity in the area until the Force Commander and the Commander of the Turkish Forces could meet. Turkish Forces nevertheless placed a sign inside the buffer zone and proceeded with the construction of the checkpoint. After further negotiation, the Turkish Forces removed the sign and agreed to honour the ceasefire line. However, the checkpoint was not dismantled. The situation in Louroujina remained static until 1 November, when a Greek Cypriot civilian entered the buffer zone and removed a Turkish flag from the same checkpoint. This action was strongly protested by the Turkish Cypriot side, and Greek Cypriot officials immediately disavowed it. The Turkish Forces responded to the incident by instituting regular manning of the checkpoint, which remains in place to date.

11. The placement of buoys by Turkish Forces close to the western maritime security line has not been resolved. UNFICYP requested on several occasions that the buoys be removed and stated that if they were left in place, they would constitute a change to the status quo and a permanent violation. The Turkish Forces asserted that the buoys do not mark the maritime security line but are in place to indicate to maritime vessels that they are approaching disputed waters.

12. On 21 November, several shots were fired at an UNFICYP patrol inside the buffer zone by a Greek Cypriot hunter when he was asked to produce his hunting licence. While the vehicle used by the UNFICYP troops was seriously damaged, the soldiers escaped unharmed. The individual was later arrested by the Cyprus Police and charged with attempted murder.

13. The clearing of mines in the buffer zone continued during the reporting period. On 5 August, UNFICYP secured an agreement to begin the clearing of Turkish Forces minefields in Nicosia and surrounding areas within the buffer zone. Since May, on the whole, 78,132 square metres over nine minefields were cleared, and more than 470 anti-personnel and 430 anti-tank mines were removed and destroyed.

14. The lifting of the restrictions of movement of UNFICYP personnel (see S/2005/353, para. 15) in the north in May 2005 enabled the Force to effectively restore operations in areas previously restricted. Movements of UNFICYP personnel were, however, still limited in areas close to military bases in the north. The United Nations continued to hold the Government of Turkey responsible for the maintenance of the status quo in Varosha. In response to reports of improper use of a beach area in Varosha for tourism, the Turkish Forces asserted that the number of authorized visitors had increased but that there had been no change in the status quo. UNFICYP was unable to verify the situation because of the established restrictions on the Force in that area. The Turkish Forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces remain in violation of the military status quo in Strovilia.

15. Since the introduction by UNFICYP of the military observer and liaison officer teams, both opposing forces have been cooperating constructively with them. Although the concept is still new and has not yet reached its full potential, the experiences of the teams have been largely positive, with improvements in the sharing of information and the speedy resolution of incidents. The introduction of the teams continues to contribute to an increased emphasis on liaison, observation and mediation rather than the interposition of forces, for which UNFICYP still retains a capability. In addition, the Force has increased the number and duration of its air patrols and has also procured night vision equipment to improve its surveillance of the buffer zone. That method of observing the buffer zone, in conjunction with the new patrolling concept, has increased the monitoring capacity of UNFICYP as compared to observation from static locations.

 

B. Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

 

16. UNFICYP continued to promote confidence-building activities involving both sides and in general received cooperation from them. In August, UNFICYP mediated and enabled the opening of the Astromeritis/Bostanci crossing point under temporary arrangements agreed between the two sides. Those arrangements are to remain in place pending the completion of the road construction project within the buffer zone funded by the European Union. In August, the European Union amended the Green Line Regulation to include a provision for three more possible crossing points in Kato Pyrgos — Karavostasi, Kato Pyrgos-Kokkina and Kokkina-Pachyammos.

17. The movement of people and trade across the buffer zone continued with approximately 9 million crossings of Greek Cypriots to the north and Turkish Cypriots to the south since the opening of the crossing points in early 2003. Goods worth about 1 million Cyprus pounds (about $2 million) crossed the Green Line from the north to the south, and 127,000 Cyprus pounds (approximately $250,000) worth of goods crossed from the south to the north during the same period.

18. UNFICYP continued to carry out its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 397 Greek Cypriots and 146 Maronites living in the northern part of the island. During the reporting period, UNFICYP police and military components conducted 62 humanitarian convoys, money runs and humanitarian visits to those communities. In September, the Turkish Cypriots agreed to allow the Greek Cypriot secondary school to function in all six grades in Rizokarpaso in the north, and UNFICYP assisted in the delivery of textbooks for the Greek Cypriot primary and secondary schools. UNFICYP also facilitated the appointment of seven teachers at the secondary level and continues to negotiate the appointment of one additional teacher at that level. In addition, the Force assisted in securing a supply of water for the Maronite community living in Kormakitis.

19. UNFICYP supported civilian projects in the buffer zone, in particular farming activities and infrastructure improvements. Over the past six months, the Force has noted an increase in unauthorized civilian construction by Greek Cypriots outside designated civil use areas, primarily in Sector 4.

20. In March, UNFICYP received a written commitment from the Greek Cypriot side that a Turkish elementary school would be established in Limassol for the Turkish Cypriot community, and UNFICYP continues to discuss with the relevant authorities the modalities for implementing that commitment. Meanwhile, the Greek Cypriot side adopted special measures aimed at upgrading the provision of primary education for that community by hiring four Turkish Cypriot teachers to provide instruction in the language, culture and arts and crafts of Turkey . In addition, UNFICYP assisted Turkish Cypriots in the south in obtaining identity documents, housing, welfare services, medical care, employment and education.

21. Although the opening of the crossing points enabled the movement of people across the buffer zone, the support of UNFICYP and the neutral venue of the Ledra Palace continued to be viewed as essential by both sides for the mediation of sensitive issues. During the reporting period, UNFICYP facilitated 52 bi-communal meetings in which about 2,000 people from both sides of the buffer zone participated. Regular monthly meetings between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political party leaders continued to be held at the Ledra Palace under the auspices of the Embassy of Slovakia.

22. In the mixed village of Pyla in the buffer zone, UNFICYP obtained agreement from the village’s Turkish and Greek football clubs to play against each other in two exhibition matches. They were the first joint football games since 1968. The matches were held in July and October in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot stadiums, respectively. In October, UNFICYP also arranged the first meeting of the principals of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot primary schools in Pyla to discuss areas for common action.

23. UNFICYP facilitated the observance of a number of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot religious events on both sides of the island over the course of the summer. On 10 and 11 June, the military and police components of the mission assisted 1,000 Greek Cypriots to make a pilgrimage to the Church of Saint Barnabas near Famagusta for the first time in 31 years. On 1 and 2 September, UNFICYP facilitated the visit of over 900 Greek Cypriots to the St. Mamas Church in Morphou and provided assistance to 330 Turkish Cypriots to make a pilgrimage to Kokkina in the western part of Cyprus .

24. By the end of October, the overall staffing of the UNFICYP police had reached its mandated strength of 69, which allowed the police component to introduce shift work, thus providing increased patrolling. By 1 September, UNFICYP police had already taken over the role of the sector civil affairs team from the military component. UNFICYP police also started manning the military post at Leonarisso, which provides assistance to Greek Cypriots living in the Karpas region.

25. With the increase in staffing, the UNFICYP police were able to increase their contacts with both sides. UNFICYP police and civil affairs officers monitored and followed up on approximately 100 cases of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots involved in criminal court proceedings, including traffic violations and accidents, burglary, assault, illegal possession of firearms and drug trafficking on both sides of the buffer zone. In total, 11 Greek Cypriots in the north and seven Turkish Cypriots in the south were arrested during the reporting period. There are no Greek Cypriots currently serving sentences in the north, and 24 Turkish Cypriots are serving sentences in the south. UNFICYP police officers visited Turkish Cypriots detained in the south and Greek Cypriots detained in the north and monitored proceedings and trials. UNFICYP continued to assist in medical evacuations from the north to the south and in transporting the remains of deceased persons. In addition, the number of tasks of the UNFICYP police increased with the opening of the Astromeritis/Bostanci crossing, where they patrol the two km of road running through the buffer zone.

 

IV. Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus

 

26. In the course of the reporting period, the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus held 20 meetings leading to progress on a number of issues. On 30 June, the Committee reached an agreement in principle on a common programme of exhumations and identification scheduled to begin during the spring of 2006. Another agreement was reached in September on the establishment in the buffer zone of an anthropological laboratory, where the remains collected on both sides will be stored. Once completed, the laboratory will be staffed by the Inforce Foundation Centre for Forensic Science Technology and Law, an agency based in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. On 11 November, the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus announced that should the preparations run as expected, the programme of exhumations and identification would begin during the spring of 2006. The project — which should be financed by voluntary contributions in order to meet all costs — is expected to last three or four years. It will be carried out under the aegis of the Committee, while the funds will be administered by the United Nations Development Programme.

27. For the programme of identification by DNA, the Committee will benefit from the cooperation of a department of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics. It has been agreed that the institute will be reinforced with the participation of two Turkish Cypriot scientists. Furthermore, a Turkish Cypriot laboratory is in the process of being upgraded for the programme of exhumations and identification. In July, the Committee appointed two scientific advisers, a Greek Cypriot scientist and a Turkish Cypriot scientist, to help with the implementation of the programme of identification by DNA of missing persons of both communities.

28. For about six weeks in the summer, the Committee undertook an emergency programme of exhumations in the north, under the supervision of an Inforce forensic expert, with positive results. Expenses have so far been covered by funds provided by Greek Cypriots, Greece and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, on 21 November, the Turkish Government pledged a financial contribution to the work of the Committee.

29. In spite of those positive developments in the implementation of the July 1997 Agreement, the Committee has been unable to begin its investigative work. This is a cause for concern as it is an essential step towards progress in the resolution of the humanitarian question of the missing persons and the fulfilment of the mandate of the Committee as set out almost 25 years ago. In order to allow the Committee to accelerate and conclude its work without further delay, it is my intention to appoint a third member as of January 2006 to be assisted by a full team.

 

V. Financial aspects

 

30. The General Assembly, in its resolution 59/284 B of 22 June 2005, appropriated for UNFICYP the amount of $46.5 million gross ($44.1 million net). In this regard, I am grateful for the voluntary contribution of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $14.7 million, from the Government of Cyprus and the voluntary contribution of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece. Other countries and organizations might wish to do likewise, in order to lower the portion of the cost of UNFICYP covered by assessed contributions.

31. Financial resources approved by the General Assembly for the 2005/06 period provide for the maintenance of the Force at its currently authorized military strength of 860 (all ranks). Should the Security Council decide to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months, the cost of maintaining the Force would be limited to the amount approved by the General Assembly.

32. As at 31 October 2005, the total outstanding assessed contributions to the special account for UNFICYP for the period from 16 June 1993 to 15 December 2005 amounted to $19.9 million. The total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations as at the same date amounted to $2,217 million.

 

VI. Observations

 

33. The situation in Cyprus has remained stable, with calm prevailing along the ceasefire lines. The opening of additional crossing points and small increases in trade between the two sides enhanced the opportunity for people-to-people contact, yet progress towards a political solution has been negligible at best. UNFICYP continued to enjoy generally good cooperation from both sides, but at the same time each side made attempts to alter the status quo to its advantage, whether in the form of new construction or incursions of personnel into the buffer zone.

34. The experience gained during the reporting period indicates that the new force structure of UNFICYP is adequate for the implementation of the mandate and that the reconfiguration of the Force has not led to deterioration in the overall security situation. However, due to delays in achieving the full staffing levels for the UNFICYP civil affairs component and the civilian police, the restructured Force has not reached the full potential of its revised concept of operations. Under the circumstances, and in light of the lack of significant positive developments on the ground, it would be premature to suggest further adjustments to the Force at this stage. I intend to keep the operations of UNFICYP under close scrutiny, with a view to offering recommendations for possible further adjustments as soon as warranted.

35. It is clear that an early completion of the work of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus and a solution to the issue of missing persons would greatly contribute to reconciliation on the island. I would therefore urge all concerned to redouble their efforts and put aside political considerations in order to close this painful humanitarian chapter and to end the suffering of the relatives of missing persons.

36. I continue to believe that only the achievement of a comprehensive settlement will bring an end to the Cyprus problem. In the absence of such a comprehensive settlement, the presence of UNFICYP on the island continues to be necessary. I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months, until 15 June 2006.

37. Again, I do not believe that the time is ripe to appoint a full-time person dedicated to my good offices. While calls have come from all concerned for the resumption of negotiations, it appears that the conditions surrounding such a resumption necessitate further clarifications. In the circumstances, the Chief of Mission will continue to act as my Special Representative on the ground for contacts at the highest level with the two sides and other key actors on the Cyprus question. I may continue, however, to dispatch, on an ad hoc basis, a senior official from the Secretariat to visit Cyprus , Greece and Turkey to assess the situation on the ground in the light of recent developments.

38. In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to Zbigniew Wlosowicz, my Special Representative and Chief of Mission in Cyprus, the Force Commander, Major-General Figoli, and to the men and women serving in UNFICYP for the efficiency and dedication with which they have discharged the responsibilities entrusted to them by the Security Council.

Annex

Countries providing military and civilian police
personnel (as at 15 November 2005)

 

 

Country	Military personnel
Argentina a	294
Austria	4
Canada	1
Hungary	82
Slovakia b	198
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	262
Total	841

 

a The Argentinean contingent includes soldiers from Brazil (1), Chile (15), Paraguay (14) and Peru (13).

b The Slovakian contingent includes soldiers from Croatia (2).

 

 

	Civilian police
Argentina	4
Australia	15
Bosnia	4
Croatia	2
El Salvador	8
India	6
Italy	4
Ireland	18
Netherlands	8
Total	69

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