United Nations		S/2004/427
	Security Council				Distr.: General 26 May 2004 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 11 November 2003 to 20 May 2004 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) of 4 March 1964 and subsequent Council resolutions, the most recent of which was resolution 1517 (2003) of 24 November 2003.

2.       During this period, my Special Adviser on Cyprus , Alvaro de Soto , returned to Cyprus for the resumption of negotiations on the comprehensive settlement agreement, on which I am reporting separately. Zbigniew Wlosowicz continued as my acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission. Major General Hebert Figoli ( Uruguay ) was appointed as Force Commander on 7 January 2004 . As at 4 May 2004 , the strength of UNFICYP was 1,201 military personnel and 46 civilian police officers (see annex).

 

     II.    Activities of the Force 

 

             A.    Maintenance of the ceasefire and military status quo

3.       The military situation along the ceasefire lines remained generally calm and stable. The number of incidents such as construction, ill discipline and moves forward into the buffer zone was negligible.

4.       The number of air violations increased from 49 in the last reporting period to 67; 20 were by Turkish military aircraft, 2 by Greek military aircraft, 13 by Cypriot police helicopters and the remaining 32 were of unknown origin. In line with past experience for the season, there were fewer crossings of the maritime security lines, the seaward extension of the median line of the buffer zone that vessels from either side are advised not to cross.

5.       Restrictions imposed on UNFICYP in July 2000 by the Turkish forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces, partially eased in May 2003, continued to hinder the operations of UNFICYP, including in the fenced-in area of Varosha. The United Nations holds the Government of Turkey responsible for the maintenance of the status quo in Varosha. The violation of the military status quo in Strovilia persisted.

6.       In the latter half of the reporting period, UNFICYP conducted intense planning and training for a possible transition to a new United Nations operation in Cyprus , in the event of a settlement, while continuing to fulfil its existing mandate.

7.       UNFICYP continued to support the Mines Technical Adviser in preparing for the clearing of minefields in the buffer zone. It is hoped that mine clearance activities will commence in the summer after civilian contractors are selected and accredited.

8.       On 28 April, following the rejection of the proposed plan for a settlement by the Greek Cypriot side, and its acceptance by the Turkish Cypriot side, at separate and simultaneous referenda, the Council of the European Union adopted a regulation dealing with the movement of goods and people between the north and the south, following the entry of the divided Cyprus into the European Union. The regulation states explicitly that it does not affect the mandate of the United Nations in the buffer zone in any way.

 

           B.    Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

9.       As of 1 May 2004 , 3.7 million crossings by Greek Cypriots to the north and Turkish Cypriots to the south have taken place at the Ledra, Ayios Dometios/Metehan, Pergamos and Strovilia crossing points since 23 April 2003 when they were opened. UNFICYP continued to assist the orderly movement of civilians and vehicles through the buffer zone at these authorized crossing points. UNFICYP attended to, monitored and followed up on more than 50 cases of unauthorized crossings, thefts, traffic violations, accidents and unauthorized photography. The Greek Cypriot side pressed criminal charges in 16 cases involving Turkish Cypriots in the south and the Turkish Cypriot side pressed criminal charges in 38 cases involving Greek Cypriots in the north. UNFICYP visited Turkish Cypriots in the south and Greek Cypriots in the north detained as a result of these cases. Further, UNFICYP facilitated 32 cases of medical evacuations from the north to medical facilities in the south.

10.    During the reporting period, UNFICYP facilitated 138 bicommunal events at the Ledra Palace Hotel, bringing together 7,300 Greek and Turkish Cypriots. A concert in November 2003 attracted 1,500 youth, and a peace demonstration in March 2004 drew 500 participants from both communities. Other events included the monthly meetings of political leaders under the aegis of the Embassy of Slovakia. In addition, the United Nations Office for Project Services funded bicommunal presentations, language courses and musical events. UNFICYP also assisted in facilitating several bicommunal press conferences and seminars leading up to the 24 April 2004 referenda.

11.     UNFICYP continued to perform its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 411 Greek Cypriots and 153 Maronites living in the northern part of the island. Apart from regular welfare visits and ensuring delivery of humanitarian assistance, UNFICYP was involved in obtaining permission for elderly Greek Cypriots to return to their homes in the north. UNFICYP also assisted eight Turkish Cypriot families in the south to obtain birth certificates and other documentation as well as housing and medical care facilities.

12.    UNFICYP’s support for civilian activities in the buffer zone continued. UNFICYP also facilitated a project funded by the United Nations Office for Project Services, which started in February 2004 to restore a historic Venetian Castle in the mixed village of Pyla in the buffer zone. UNFICYP approved requests by Turkish Cypriots to modernize and expand their farms and a request by a Greek Cypriot to build a house in the civil-use area within the United Nations Protected Area. Furthermore, UNFICYP facilitated the annual visit of Greek Cypriots to St. George’s Church in Varisha in the buffer zone to commemorate St. George’s day.

 

     III.    Committee on Missing Persons

13.    In December 2003, I wrote to the two leaders noting that a solution to this humanitarian issue was overdue and that a fresh commitment to solve it was necessary. The Committee on Missing Persons should conclude its work without delay, taking full account of the agreement of 31 July 1997 . To that end, I suggested that the members of the Committee on Missing Persons resume formal meetings, with the participation of the third member ad interim. While both sides expressed readiness to follow my suggestions, no formal meetings took place during the reporting period. Meanwhile, the third member ad interim continued to work with the two sides to have the Committee on Missing Persons restart its activities. The Greek Cypriot side proceeded with its programme of exhumation and identification.

 

          IV.    Financial aspects

14.    As indicated in my previous report (S/2003/1078), the General Assembly, by its resolution 57/332 of 18 June 2003 , appropriated the amount of $43.8 million for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 . That amount included the voluntary contribution of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $14.6 million, from the Government of Cyprus and the voluntary contribution of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece.

15.    My proposed budget for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005 , which amounts to $47.4 million, is currently under consideration by the General Assembly. 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.

16.    As at 30 April 2004 , the total outstanding assessed contributions to the special account for UNFICYP for the period from 16 June 1993 to 15 June 2004 amounted to $15.2 million. The total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations amounted to $1,273 million.

 

           V.    Observations

17.    The situation along the ceasefire lines remained calm. The continuous flow of people from both sides through the crossing points has now become a regular feature on the island. It is encouraging to see a further decrease in the already low number of incidents related to the crossings compared to the previous reporting period. I urge the Turkish Cypriot authorities to provide full freedom of movement for UNFICYP so that it can carry out its mandate more effectively.

18.    Following the referenda of 24 April, consultations have been conducted with both sides on the island and the guarantor powers, and I remain convinced that, in the absence of a comprehensive settlement, the presence of UNFICYP on the island continues to be necessary for the maintenance of the ceasefire. However, in view of the watershed vote of 24 April, and as part of an overall reappraisal of the United Nations peace activities in Cyprus, I intend to conduct a review, to be completed within three months, of UNFICYP’s mandate, force levels and concept of operations, in the light of developments on the ground, the positions of the parties and any views the Security Council might have. I will submit recommendations on the adjustments or restructuring that may be required. Meanwhile, I recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months until 15 December 2004 .

19.    In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. de Soto , Mr. Wlosowicz, Major General Figoli and the men and women serving in UNFICYP for the efficiency and commitment with which they have carried out their responsibilities.

 

Annex

                  Countries providing military and civilian police personnel

(as of 4 May 2004 )

 

Country	Military personnel
Argentinaa	403
Austria	6
Canada	1
Finland	3
Hungary	122
Ireland	4
Slovakia	276
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	386
Total	1 201

 

 

 

Country	Civilian police
Australia	15
India	7
Ireland	20
Netherlands	4
Total	46

 

^a  The Argentine contingent includes soldiers from Bolivia (2), Brazil (2), Chile (32), Paraguay (32), Peru (2) and Uruguay (3).

 

—————————————————————-

	United Nations		S/2003/1078
	Security Council				Distr.: General 12 November 2003 Original: English

 

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

(for the period from 21 May to 10 November 2003 )

 

            I.    Introduction

 

1.       The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments from 21 May to 10 November 2003 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) of 4 March 1964 and subsequent Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1486 (2003) of 11 June 2003, as well as my mission of good offices carried out pursuant to Security Council resolution 1250 (1999) of 29 June 1999.

2.       During this period, my Special Adviser on Cyprus , Alvaro de Soto , was assigned new responsibilities as my Special Representative for Western Sahara . Zbigniew Wlosowicz continued as my acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission, and Lieutenant General Jin Ha Hwang continued as Force Commander. As at 7 November, the strength of UNFICYP stood at 1,230 military personnel and 42 civilian police officers (see annex).

  II.    Activities of the Force

             A.    Maintenance of the ceasefire and military status quo

3.       The military situation along the ceasefire lines was generally calm. However, there has been an increase in the number of moves forward by Turkish forces into the buffer zone. There have also been more incidents of verbal abuse, threats, stone-throwing and cocking and pointing of weapons by both National Guard and Turkish forces.

4.       The number of air violations increased from 9 during the last reporting period to 49: 19 by Turkish military aircraft, 8 by the National Guard, 6 by Greek Cypriot civilian aircraft, 6 by Cypriot police helicopters and 10 of unknown origin.

5.       Restrictions imposed on UNFICYP in July 2000 by the Turkish forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces continued to obstruct the operations and daily routine of UNFICYP, despite the limited easing of these restrictions in May 2003 (see S/2003/572, para. 5). The violation of the military status quo in Strovilia persisted. The Turkish Cypriots have undertaken further construction on the Greek Cypriot house that they use as a control post in the village.

6.       In July and August, UNFICYP observed an increase in the activity of Turkish forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces in the fenced-in area of Varosha, mainly maintenance of patrol tracks and cleaning of the area. At the same time, the Turkish forces delayed the routine maintenance tasks of UNFICYP and continued to restrict its patrols to a northern sector of the fence line, static observation posts and a short patrol route inside Varosha. The United Nations holds the Government of Turkey responsible for the maintenance of the status quo in Varosha.

7.       Crossings of the maritime security line — the seaward extension of the median line of the buffer zone, which vessels of either side are advised not to cross — continued. In the west, the number of crossings by Turkish forces resupplying the Kokkina pocket was higher than in the last reporting period. In the east, Greek Cypriot fishing boats and pleasure craft were responsible for an increased number of crossings.

8.       Following the ratification of the Ottawa Convention on landmines and the expression of the National Guard’s intention to clear the minefields it had laid in the buffer zone (see S/2002/1243, para. 7, and S/2003/572, para. 8), a technical adviser on demining joined UNFICYP in October to advise the mission on the clearing of minefields in the buffer zone. The National Guard has provided the technical adviser with relevant information to enable him to prepare the next steps. In July 2003, the Turkish Cypriot side indicated its willingness to discuss with UNFICYP the issue of demining in Nicosia and its environs. These discussions have begun.

         B.    Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

9.       As at 2 November, 2 million crossings, by Greek Cypriots to the north and Turkish Cypriots to the south, had taken place at the Ledra, Ayios Dometios/Metehan, Pergamos and Strovilia crossing points since they opened on 23 April. UNFICYP civilian police continued to assist in ensuring the safe and orderly crossing of people and vehicles through the buffer zone at the authorized crossing points. Incidents at the checkpoints and in the north and south necessitated civilian police monitoring and intervention. The arrival of additional officers helped to reinforce the civilian police presence on the ground and to improve the response time in cases of incidents requiring their assistance. During the reporting period, the UNFICYP civilian police and the civil affairs branch attended to and monitored 165 cases, including unauthorized crossings, thefts, traffic violations and accidents, unauthorized photography and charges of disrupting public order. The two sides brought criminal charges in 14 cases involving Greek Cypriots in the north and 48 cases involving Turkish Cypriots and other residents in the south. The UNFICYP civilian police visited Turkish Cypriots in detention in the south and Greek Cypriots detained in the north.

10.    UNFICYP provided facilities for 128 bicommunal events at the former Ledra Palace Hotel in the United Nations buffer zone, bringing together 11,000 Greek and Turkish Cypriots. About 3,000 Greek and Turkish Cypriots attended the annual United Nations Day celebrations. UNFICYP also assisted in facilitating other events within the United Nations Protected Area, including seminars for teachers, meetings for the disabled, music rehearsals, a theatre play, a light and sound presentation on the history of Nicosia, a study on the buffer zone survey, a workshop on the Nicosia Master Plan and various sporting events at the Nicosia airport.

11.     UNFICYP continued to carry out its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 423 Greek Cypriots and 152 Maronites living in the northern part of the island. A request for adding a seventh grade at the Greek Cypriot school in Rizokarpaso was turned down by the Turkish Cypriot authorities. Consequently, 15 of the 23 pupils who had completed primary school had to move to the south to pursue their education. UNFICYP assisted 120 Turkish Cypriots in the south to obtain identity documents, housing, welfare services, medical care, employment and education through its liaison office in Limassol.

12.    UNFICYP continued to support civilian activities in the buffer zone. In particular, it facilitated a range of agricultural activities, including the maintenance of farming tracks and the cleaning of irrigation channels.

         III.    Committee on Missing Persons

13.    During the period under review, the First Assistant to the Third Member continued to work with the two sides, as acting Third Member, to overcome obstacles and to enable the Committee on Missing Persons to resume its activities. The Greek Cypriot side proceeded with its programme of exhumation and identification.

         IV.    Mission of good offices of the Secretary-General

14.    In my report to the Security Council on the good offices efforts between late 1999 and 11 March 2003 (S/2003/398), I outlined my views on the way ahead and what is required for any resumption of active United Nations efforts to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem. It remains my position that no purpose would be served by renewing my mission of good offices unless there were a readiness on the part of both Cypriot parties, as well as Greece and Turkey, to finalize negotiations, with United Nations assistance, on the basis of the revised proposal that I presented to the parties and the guarantor Powers on 26 February 2003, and to put the resulting agreement to separate, simultaneous referendums within a short time thereafter. In its resolution 1475 (2003) of 14 April 2003, the Security Council gave its full support to this plan as a unique basis for further negotiations and called upon all concerned to negotiate within the framework of my good offices, using the plan to reach a comprehensive settlement as outlined in my report. I regret to say that the requirements set out in the report have not yet been fulfilled. However, I am continuing to monitor developments in Cyprus closely, and I wish to assure the Council that, should the appropriate opportunity to finalize the plan present itself, I stand ready to re-engage.

           V.    Financial aspects

15.    By its resolution 57/332 of 18 June 2003 , the General Assembly appropriated an amount of $43.8 million for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from
1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 . This amount includes the voluntary contribution of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $14.6 million, from the Government of Cyprus and the voluntary contribution of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece.

16.    Should the Security Council decide to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months, the resources available for maintaining the Force would be limited to the amount approved by the General Assembly. Additional resource requirements arising from the increase of the UNFICYP civilian police component authorized by the Council in its resolution 1486 (2003) would be reported to the Assembly in the context of the UNFICYP budget performance report for the 2003/04 financial period.

17.    As at 30 September 2003 , unpaid assessments to the Special Account for UNFICYP for the period from 16 June 1993 to 15 December 2003 amounted to $19.9 million. As at the same date, total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping missions amounted to $1,559.5 million.

         VI.    Observations

18.    The situation along the ceasefire lines has remained stable. The partial lifting of restrictions on movement between the north and the south has resulted in a steady number of Cypriots regularly crossing the buffer zone with a remarkable low number of incidents. Regrettably, the Turkish Cypriot authorities have failed to provide unhindered access and full freedom of movement to UNFICYP. I urge them to do so to allow UNFICYP to carry out its mandate throughout its entire area of responsibility. It is also regrettable that no progress has been achieved in restoring the status quo ante in the village of Strovilia .

19.    I believe, nonetheless, 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 for the maintenance of the ceasefire. I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months, until 15 June 2004 .

20.    In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. de Soto , Mr. Wlosowicz, Lieutenant General Hwang and 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 10 November 2003 )

 

Country	Military personnel
Argentinaa	403
Austria	7
Canada	1
Finland	3
Hungary	120
Ireland	6
Slovakia	276
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	414
Total	1 230

 

 

Country	Civilian police
Australia	15
Ireland	20
Nepal	5
Netherlands	2
Total	42

 

^a  The Argentine contingent includes soldiers from Bolivia (2), Brazil (2), Chile (32), Paraguay (32), Peru (2) and Uruguay (3).

—————————————————————-

	United Nations		S/2003/572
	Security Council				Distr.: General 27 May 2003 Original: English

 

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

(for the period from 16 November 2002 to 20 May 2003)

I. Introduction

1.       The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments from 16 November 2002 to 20 May 2003 and brings up to date the record of activities of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) of 4 March 1964 and subsequent Security Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1442 (2002) of 25 November 2002, as well as of my mission of good offices pursuant to Security Council resolution 1250 (1999) of 29 June 1999.

2.       During this period, Alvaro de Soto continued as my Special Adviser on Cyprus , Zbigniew Wlosowicz as my acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission and Lieutenant-General Jin Ha Hwang as the Force Commander. As at May 2003, the strength of UNFICYP stood at 1,228 military personnel and 35 civilian police officers (see annex).

II.    Activities of the Force

 

             A.    Maintenance of the ceasefire and military status quo

3.       The military situation along both ceasefire lines remained calm during the reporting period.

4.       Air violations of the United Nations buffer zone decreased from the 37 reported during the last reporting period to 9; 3 by Turkish military aircraft, 1 by the National Guard, 1 by a Greek Cypriot civilian light aircraft and 4 by police from the south.

5.       On 9 May 2003 , the Turkish Cypriot authorities slightly eased the restrictions they had imposed on UNFICYP’s movement in July 2000 (see S/2000/1138, paras. 4 and 5) by allowing UNFICYP to use the newly established crossing point at Ayios Dometios/Metehan. In addition, the Turkish Cypriots allowed limited use of the Pergamos and Strovilia crossing points for military personnel from Sector 4 only. Given the continuing violation of the status quo at Strovilia, UNFICYP uses only the Pergamos crossing. Subsequently, the Turkish Cypriot authorities limited UNFICYP’s use of the Ledra crossing point to official purposes only. All other restrictions remain, including those concerning access to the United Nations liaison post in the village of Strovilia . The Turkish forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces violation of the status quo in that village continue. In addition, the Turkish Cypriot authorities have started using a Greek Cypriot house for manning the newly established crossing point in Strovilia.

6.       The restriction of movement along the Famagusta-Dherinia road, imposed in November 2000, continued to constrain UNFICYP from monitoring the entire fenced-off area of Varosha. The United Nations holds the Government of Turkey responsible for maintaining the status quo in Varosha.

7.       Crossing of the maritime security lines — the seaward extension of the median line of the buffer zone, which vessels of either side are advised not to cross — continued. There were approximately 140 crossings of the western line by Turkish forces, all associated with re-supply runs to the Kokkina pocket. In the east, near Famagusta , there were more than 600 crossings of the maritime security line from the south by fishing boats, pleasure craft and police boats.

8.       Cyprus ’ instrument of ratification of the Ottawa Convention was deposited on 10 January 2003 . The earlier stated intention to remove mines laid by the National Guard in the United Nations buffer zone was reiterated (see S/2002/1243, para. 7). The National Guard completed clearing a minefield south of Pyla, outside the United Nations buffer zone.

 

             B.    Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

9.       On 23 April 2003 , for the first time in almost three decades, the Turkish Cypriot authorities opened the Ledra and Pergamos crossing points to the public for visits in both directions. On 26 April 2003 , another checkpoint near Strovilia was opened. In the first week, around 140,000 Greek Cypriots crossed to the north and close to 34,000 Turkish Cypriots crossed in the opposite direction. On 10 May 2003 , both sides established an additional crossing point at Ayios Dometios/Metehan in Nicosia . Since then, the average number of crossings per day seems to have stabilized at the level of around 13,000 people. All UNFICYP components, especially the United Nations Civilian Police (UNCIVPOL) and the military assisted in ensuring the safe and orderly movement of people and vehicles through the United Nations buffer zone at the authorized crossing points. UNFICYP military engineers prepared the roads and improved other facilities at the crossing points in the buffer zone.

10.    Ensuring safe and orderly passage within the buffer zone is essentially the task of UNCIVPOL. However, owing to its small size, 100 soldiers were diverted from their normal functions, including patrolling and monitoring in the buffer zone, to assist UNCIVPOL to cope until the crossing arrangements were clarified and the number of crossings stabilized. UNCIVPOL then continued to monitor and facilitate crossings with the help of fewer soldiers, although at the expense of most of its regular functions, which include patrolling, liaising with the local police, mediating in disputes between local civilians and monitoring and issuing permits for civilian use of the buffer zone.

11.     In addition to the considerably increased functions of UNCIVPOL and the military in the buffer zone, there has been a significant increase in the number of incidents requiring UNFICYP’s involvement outside the buffer zone since the crossings began. As of 20 May 2003 , UNCIVPOL attended and monitored cases, including eight traffic accidents and 42 arrests, including four in the south, as well as several cases of unauthorized crossing. The Turkish Cypriot authorities brought charges in 31 cases and the police pressed charges in four cases in the south. UNCIVPOL was able to attend and monitor some, though not all, of the trials owing to an insufficient number of personnel.

12.    UNFICYP does not have the resources to cover the additional new demands brought about by the influx of people through the buffer zone. The opening of additional crossing points or other changes in the present arrangements would exacerbate this situation. As a result of the additional responsibilities thrust upon UNFICYP, a review of its requirements was undertaken. It was determined that up to 34 additional UNCIVPOL officers would be needed to perform the current tasks effectively. UNFICYP will review and adjust its capabilities and new requirements as the needs arise, in line with its mandated tasks.

13.    On 30 April 2003, a set of governmental measures was announced, including: free movement of Turkish Cypriots and their goods and vehicles throughout the island; the establishment of telecommunications links to the north and to Turkey; employment opportunities for Turkish Cypriots in the south; the establishment of a bicommunal committee for humanitarian and other related issues; encouragement of contracting and subcontracting to Turkish Cypriots; issuance of identity cards, travel documents, birth certificates and other official documents; and the establishment of an office for Turkish Cypriot affairs. On 9 May 2003 , a set of Turkish Cypriot measures was announced, including offering scholarships for Greek Cypriot students to study at the tertiary educational institutions in the north and a proposal for improved telephone communications facilities and normalization of trade with the south. There have been no official responses on these separate sets of measures.

14.    UNFICYP facilitated 49 bicommunal events at the former Ledra Palace Hotel, bringing together more than 16,000 Greek and Turkish Cypriots. A blood sample collection drive to identify a compatible bone marrow donor for a five-year-old Turkish Cypriot girl with leukaemia was the largest bicommunal event, with 13,400 donors turning up from both sides. On 18 May 2003 , about 800 people attended a youth festival organized by Greek and Turkish Cypriot political parties. Other events included the monthly gathering of politicians sponsored by the Slovak Embassy, an international women’s day celebration organized by UNFICYP and seminars for the Nicosia Master Plan Project technicians.

15.    UNFICYP continued to perform its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 421 Greek Cypriots and 157 Maronites living in the island’s north and some 500 Turkish Cypriots in the south who have made themselves known to the Force. In February 2003, UNFICYP secured an agreement from the north for Greek Cypriots and Maronites to vote in the elections held in the south. In Famagusta , UNFICYP monitored a four-month-long trial of a Greek Cypriot; the charges were later dismissed. At the request of the Turkish Cypriot community in Limassol, UNFICYP reopened a liaison office, which it had closed in 1999.

16.    In November 2002, UNFICYP obtained permission from the Turkish Cypriots for a visit by 16 Greek Cypriot children suffering from cancer and two priests to the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in the Karpas peninsula. In April and May 2003, UNFICYP facilitated the annual pilgrimages to St. George’s Church in Varisha and Ayia Marina Church near Paralimni, both situated in the buffer zone.

17.    UNFICYP’s support for civilian activities in the buffer zone continued. In November 2002, UNFICYP opened Alkiviades Street in the old town of Nicosia for civilian use. In February 2003, with the south’s cooperation, UNFICYP made a sports field in the buffer zone available to a Turkish Cypriot football club. UNFICYP continued to assist in the desilting of the Marathassa dam and facilitated a Turkish Cypriot request to clean up the banks of the Karyotis River . In May 2003, UNFICYP gave permission for the Pallouriotissa School bus from the south to have access to the school’s entrances in the buffer zone.

 

III.    Missing persons

18.    During the period under review, the Greek Cypriot side proceeded with its programme of exhumations and identifications in areas under its control.

19.    In April 2003, as part of the measures for Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriot side published a list of 500 missing Turkish Cypriots and said it would provide access to records and information for relatives of the missing and killed non-combatants. The first assistant to the third member of the Committee on Missing Persons remained at the disposal of the two sides to assist them with the implementation of the agreement on missing persons reached on 31 July 1997 .     

 

IV.    Mission of good offices of the Secretary-General

20.    I have recently reported to the Security Council on my efforts between late 1999 and 11 March 2003 (see S/2003/398) to assist the parties to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, including the proposed “Basis for Agreement on a Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem”, which I submitted to them and to the guarantor powers. In that report, I described in some detail the reasons why it did not prove possible to bring those efforts to fruition, and outlined my views on the way ahead. As stated in that report, the Nicosia office of my Special Adviser has closed.

 

V.    Financial aspects

21.    As indicated in my previous report (S/2002/1243), the General Assembly, in its resolution 56/502 of 27 June 2002 , appropriated the amount of $45.6 million for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003 . This amount includes the voluntary contribution of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $14.6 million, from the Government of Cyprus and a voluntary contribution of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece.

22.    My proposed budget for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 , which amounts to $44.4 million, is currently under consideration by the General Assembly.

23.    Should the Security Council decide to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months at its current authorized strength, the cost of maintaining the Force would be limited to the amount approved by the General Assembly. However, should the Council approve the deployment of additional civilian police, as recommended in paragraph 26 below, I intend to submit a revised budget for the period from 1 June 2003 to 30 June 2004 during the main part of the fifty-eighth session of the General Assembly.

24.    As at 30 April 2003 , unpaid assessments to the Special Account for UNFICYP for the period from 16 June 1993 to 15 December 2002 amounted to $15.9 million. Total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations amounted to $1,363.9 million as at the same date.

 

VI.    Observations

25.    During the past six months, the situation along the ceasefire lines has remained calm. While I welcome the limited easing of restrictions by the Turkish Cypriot authorities on UNFICYP’s movement as a first step, I urge that UNFICYP be provided unhindered access and full freedom of movement to carry out its mandate throughout its entire area of responsibility. It is regrettable that no progress has been achieved in restoring the status quo ante in the village of Strovilia .

26.    UNFICYP has always stood for island-wide freedom of movement. I am therefore pleased with the easing of restrictions and the goodwill displayed between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. I hope that the two sides will build on that goodwill by taking further steps to enhance mutual confidence. UNFICYP is ready to assist them in doing so. At the same time it is important that UNFICYP be adequately equipped to meet its increased workload and to respond in a timely manner to developments and needs as they arise. I therefore recommend that the UNFICYP civilian police component be augmented by up to 34 officers.

27.    The recent developments are not a substitute for a comprehensive settlement. It seems highly unlikely that such a settlement can be achieved without the genuine political commitment to the proposal I have put forward and a firm timetable to finalize negotiations, as outlined in the recent report on my mission of good offices.

28.    Under the current conditions, I consider UNFICYP’s continued presence on the island necessary for the maintenance of the ceasefire between the two sides. I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months, until 15 December 2003 .

29.    In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. de Soto , Mr. Wlosowicz, Lieutenant-General Hwang and 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 May 2003)

 

 

	Military personnel
Argentinaa	404
Austria	7
Canada	1
Finland	3
Hungary	116
Slovakia	277
Ireland	6
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	414
Total	1 228
	Civilian police personnel
Australia	15
Ireland	20
Total	35

 

 

   ^a  The Argentine contingent includes soldiers from Bolivia (2), Brazil (2), Chile (32),
Paraguay (30) and Uruguay (3).

—————————————————————-

	United Nations		S/2002/590
	Security Council				Distr.: General 30 May 2002 Original: English

 

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

(for the period from 28 November 2001 to 29 May 2002)

I. Introduction

1. The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments from 28 November 2001 to 29 May 2002 and brings up to date the record of activities of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) of 4 March 1964 and subsequent Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1384 (2001) of 14 December 2001.

II. Activities of the Force

A. Maintenance of the ceasefire and the military status quo

2. The military situation along the ceasefire lines remained calm. There were a few incidents, mainly in Nicosia, where the opposing forces are in close proximity. They included the cocking and pointing of weapons at UNFICYP soldiers, stone-throwing, temporary moves forward into the unmanned positions and verbal abuse.

3. Air violations of the United Nations buffer zone decreased from 34 recorded in the last reporting period to 17. Seven were by National Guard aircraft, four by Turkish military aircraft, one by a civilian light aircraft from the south and five by civilian aircraft from the north.

4. Restrictions imposed on UNFICYP by the Turkish forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces in July 2000 continued to hamper UNFICYP operations. Similarly, there has been no change in the violation of the military status quo in the village of Strovilia.

5. The restriction of movement along the Famagusta/Dherinia road, imposed in November 2000, prevented UNFICYP from monitoring the whole of the fenced-off area of Varosha. Observation by UNFICYP is limited to those areas within Varosha visible from static observation posts and a short patrol route, which is well away from the perimeter fence. The United Nations holds the Government of Turkey responsible for the maintenance of the status quo in Varosha.

6. Crossing of the maritime security lines — the seaward extension of the median line of the buffer zone that vessels of either side are advised, for their own safety, not to cross — continued. The overall number of crossings of the western line by the Turkish forces, all associated with resupply runs to the Kokkina pocket, remained in line with the figures of the comparable reporting period of 2001. The same applied to the eastern maritime security line, near Famagusta, where fishing boats and pleasure craft from the south were mainly responsible for the crossings. On 17 April, a Turkish forces guard fired two warning shots close to a pleasure craft that had crossed the maritime security line from the south.

7. The National Guard continued to strengthen the two defensive positions it had constructed in December 2000 just outside the buffer zone, south of Pyla, to compensate for the landmines it was in the process of clearing. The mine-clearing activity was nearing completion in the minefield connecting the two positions.

8. In April, UNFICYP destroyed some 4,500 assorted weapons purchased by the Government of Cyprus in 1972 and later placed under lock and key in the United Nations Protected Area under UNFICYP guard. The decommissioning ended on 21 May.

B. Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

9. UNFICYP facilitated 39 events in the buffer zone between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. An estimated 6,600 people participated in those events. The largest event was a youth festival in April organized by two political parties, Akel from the south and CTP (Turkish Republican Party) from the north, with an attendance of 4,300. Other activities were monthly meetings of political party representatives organized by the Slovak Embassy, four press conferences, a workshop for paramedics, a series of seminars on information technology, a seminar for architects associated with the Nicosia Master Plan, a British High Commission reception, meetings of the business sector and non-governmental organizations and the International Women’s Day celebration, attended by women from both communities. UNFICYP also arranged a meeting between a 10-year-old Greek Cypriot girl and her 30-year-old Turkish Cypriot bone marrow donor. Turkish Cypriot authorities denied permission for Turkish Cypriots to attend some events.

10. UNFICYP carried out its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 428 Greek Cypriots and 162 Maronites living in the northern part of the island and of those Turkish Cypriots in the southern part who had made themselves known to the Force. UNFICYP also assisted a Greek Cypriot from Rizokarpaso in obtaining permission from the Turkish Cypriot authorities to bring his Greek Cypriot wife with him to the north.

11. UNFICYP support for civilian activities in the buffer zone continued. The Force arranged for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to repair the facade of the Roccas Bastion wall, which had collapsed during torrential rains in December 2001. UNFICYP facilitated the clearing of vegetation in an Orthodox cemetery, a Latin (Catholic) cemetery and a Maronite cemetery, as well as the relaying of some 600 metres of water pipes in the buffer zone leading from the Lefka Kafizes dam to Lefka along the Xeros River, to ensure an even flow of water from the south to the north. UNFICYP assisted the Greek Cypriots in attending the Green Monday celebrations and in going on pilgrimages to churches in the buffer zone near Varisha, northwest of Lefka, for St. George’s Day and to Ayia Marina near Paralimni for St. Memnon’s Day celebrations.

12. In Pyla, following the joint construction of road safety measures, the two sides indicated to UNFICYP their willingness to cooperate in relocating Turkish Cypriot sheep farms from residential areas to outside the village and for renovating the Venetian tower and the village square. UNFICYP is working closely with the village leadership to formulate mutually acceptable arrangements.

C. Missing persons

13. Towards the end of December, the two leaders decided to give particular attention to the problem of missing persons. To this end, they met at the residence and in the presence of the Chief of Mission, Zbigniew Wlosowicz, on 11 January 2002. The two leaders committed themselves to each submitting a paper on how to solve this humanitarian problem, taking into consideration the terms of reference of the Committee on Missing Persons and the 31 July 1997 Agreement (see S/1997/962, para. 21). Accordingly, at the end of January, both leaders had presented a paper. During the period under review, the First Assistant to the Third Member continued to work with both sides to enable the Committee to resume its activities.

III. Mission of good offices

14. As agreed on 4 December 2001, Glafkos Clerides and Rauf Denktash began direct talks at my invitation in the United Nations Protected Area in the presence of my Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, on 16 January 2002. As at 29 May, in the course of four rounds of talks, a total of 35 direct meetings had been held. Mr. de Soto has travelled on a regular basis to New York to brief members of the Security Council. He also paid a working visit to Athens and Ankara.

15. On 14 May 2002, I travelled to the island to discuss with the two leaders ways in which they could move forward more effectively and to express my willingness to help them reach the goal they had set out to achieve at the end of last year.

IV. Organizational matters

16. As at May 2002, UNFICYP comprised 1,195 troops and 35 civilian police. The military personnel are from Argentina (381), Austria (7), Canada (1), Finland (3), Hungary (121), Ireland (6), Slovakia (272), and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (404). The Argentine contingent includes soldiers from Bolivia (2), Brazil (2), Chile (1), Paraguay (1) and Uruguay (3). The civilian police are provided by Australia (15) and Ireland (20). UNFICYP currently has 146 civilian staff, of whom 43 were recruited internationally and 103 locally.

17. Mr. de Soto continued as my Special Adviser on Cyprus, Zbigniew Wlosowicz as Acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission. Lieutenant General Jin Ha Hwang was appointed Force Commander in December.

V. Financial aspects

18. As indicated in my previous report (S/2001/1122, para. 15), the General Assembly, by its resolution 55/266 of 14 June 2001, appropriated the amount of $42.4 million for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002. This amount includes the voluntary contribution of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $13.6 million, from the Government of Cyprus and the voluntary contribution of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece.

19. My proposed budget for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003 (A/56/838), which amounts to $43.7 million, is currently under consideration by the General Assembly. Should the Security Council decide to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months (see para. 22 below), the cost of maintaining the Force would be limited to the amount approved by the Assembly.

20. As at 22 May 2002, unpaid assessments to the Special Account for UNFICYP for the period from 16 June 1993 to 15 June 2002 amounted to $15 million. Total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations amounted to $1,356.1 million at the same date.

VI.Observations

21. During the past six months, the situation along the ceasefire lines has remained calm. However, UNFICYP operations continued to be impeded by the restrictions imposed on it by the Turkish Cypriot authorities and the Turkish forces. Similarly, no progress was achieved in restoring the status quo ante in Strovilia. On the civilian side, I am encouraged that there were increased contacts between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

22.  Under the present circumstances, I consider the presence of UNFICYP on the island essential to the maintenance of the ceasefire between the two sides. I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months, until 15 December 2002.

23.   In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. Wlosowicz, the Acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission in Cyprus. I also wish to pay tribute to the former Force Commander, Major General Victory Rana, and his successor, Lieutenant General Hwang, 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.

 

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	United Nations		S/2001/1122
	Security Council				Distr.: General 30 November 2001 Original: English

 

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

(For the period from 30 May to 27 November 2001)

I. Introduction

 

1. The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments from 30 May to 27 November 2001 and brings up to date the record of activities of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) of 4 March 1964 and subsequent Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1354 (2001) of 15 June 2001.

II.Activities of the Force

A.Maintenance of the ceasefire and the military status quo

2. The situation along the ceasefire lines remained calm. There were fewer incidents, particularly in the area of Nicosia, a where the opposing forces are in close proximity. These incidents included cocking and pointing of weapons at UNFICYP soldiers, temporary moves forward into the unmanned positions, stone-throwing and verbal abuse. Restrictions imposed on UNFICYP in July and November 2000 by the Turkish Forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces continued, including the violation of the military status quo in the village of Strovilia.

3. There were 34 air violations: 11 by National Guard aircraft, 12 by Turkish military aircraft, 4 by Greek Cypriot civilian aircraft, 2 by civilian aircraft from the north, 1 Cyprus police helicopter and 4 of unknown origin.

4. Crossings of the maritime security lines — the seaward extensions of the median line of the buffer zone that vessels of either side are advised, for their own safety, not to cross — continued. There were around 250 crossings by Turkish forces of the western line, all associated with re-supply runs to the Kokkina pocket. In the east, near Famagusta, there were almost 3,000 crossings of the maritime security line from the south, including by fishing boats and pleasure craft. Incursions in the buffer zone, mainly by Greek Cypriot hunters, increased significantly in November at the beginning of the winter hunting season. This led to a number of incidents, with some hunters discharging their weapons in the proximity of UNFICYP personnel.

5. In connection with restrictions on UNFICYP by the Turkish Forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces, patrols by UNFICYP to the fenced-off areas of Varosha were prohibited. The patrols were resumed in September 2001 but are now escorted by the Turkish Cypriot security forces. The Turkish Forces persisted in hoisting flags on one of the buildings, in violation of the military status quo. The United Nations holds the Government of Turkey responsible for the maintenance of the status quo in Varosha.

6. The National Guard continued to develop and strengthen two defensive positions which were started in December 2000 just outside the United Nations buffer zone south of Pyla. The National Guard stated that this construction was linked to, and in compensation for, their de-mining programme, which was nearing completion in one of the minefields linking the two positions. The Turkish forces, in turn, reinforced their observation post adjacent to Pyla by adding some sandbags.

B. Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

7. The number of meetings between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots decreased during the reporting period. Numerous planned events could not go ahead because the Turkish Cypriot authorities did not allow Turkish Cypriots to participate. In July, a planned concert by a bicommunal choir in the buffer zone village of Pyla had to be moved to another location because the Turkish Cypriots raised security concerns. The concert went ahead in the buffer zone with the participation of Greek Cypriot choir members only. UNFICYP also assisted in facilitating monthly meetings of political party representatives from both sides, media gatherings, music rehearsals and a business dialogue forum at Ledra Palace. The largest bicommunal gathering was the commemoration of United Nations Day on 21 October, at Ledra Palace in the buffer zone. Around 7,300 Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots attended, turning this into the biggest bicommunal event recorded by UNFICYP.

8. UNFICYP continued to carry out its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 427 Greek Cypriots and 165 Maronites living in the northern part of the island, and those Turkish Cypriots in the southern part who have made themselves known to the Force. UNFICYP also facilitated the rotation of teachers at the Greek Cypriot elementary school in Rizokarpaso in the Karpas peninsula.

9.UNFICYP visited Mr. Omer Gazi Tekogul, a Turkish Cypriot sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for heroin possession, and facilitated visits by his family, friends and doctors. Mr. Tekogul was pardoned and released on 28 September.

10.UNFICYP continued to support civilian activities in the buffer zone. These included farming, liaising with local representatives to solve water supply problems, coordinating maintenance work on utilities, the extension of the Klimos river wall in Sector 2 to prevent flooding, and construction of a 73-bed hospital facility in Paralimni in Sector 4, part of which will be in the buffer zone. UNFICYP also designated a piece of land in the buffer zone west of Nicosia for civilian use, mainly for housing. In Pyla, UNFICYP brokered an agreement between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot village leaders on road safety measures.

C.Missing persons

11.The First Assistant to the Third Member of the Committee on Missing Persons continued to work with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot members to overcome existing obstacles and enable the Committee to resume its activities. The Government of Cyprus continued to implement its unilateral programme of exhumation and identification of the remains of persons. During the period under review, both leaders addressed letters to me concerning specific proposals for the work of the Committee.

III. Mission of good offices

12. In June, I reported to the Council that it had not proved possible to resume the talks that had been interrupted since November 2000 (see S/2001/534). Efforts to this end continued in the second half of 2001. I met Mr. Rauf Denktash at Salzburg, Austria, on 28 August. My Special Adviser on Cyprus,Mr. Alvaro de Soto, was in Cyprus during the period from 29 August to 5 September. On 4 September, he conveyed to Mr. Glafcos Clerides and to Mr. Denktash my invitation to resume the search for a comprehensive settlement by engaging in a new and reinvigorated phase of my good offices, beginning with separate meetings with the two leaders in New York on 12 September. This was accepted by Mr. Clerides but declined by Mr. Denktash. On 26 September, members of the Security Council encouraged me to continue my efforts using the guidelines set forth in Council resolution 1250 (1999) of June 1999. Mr. de Soto travelled to Cyprus, Turkey and Greece in early November. Mr. Denktash wrote directly to Mr. Clerides on 8 November, proposing a face-to-face meeting on the island, without preconditions. I met Mr. Clerides in New York on 9 November. After an exchange of letters, the leaders have agreed to meet in the United Nations Protected Area on 4 December. Mr. de Soto will be present.

IV.Organizational matters

13. As at November 2001, UNFICYP comprised 1,227 troops, 35 civilian police and 139 civilian personnel. The military personnel were from Argentina (404), Austria (8), Canada (2), Finland (3), Hungary (121), Slovakia (273), Ireland (5) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (411). The Argentinean contingent included soldiers from Bolivia (2), Brazil (2), Chile (1), Paraguay (1) and Uruguay (3). The civilian police are provided by Australia (15) and Ireland (20). Of the 139 civilian staff, 39 were recruited internationally and 100 locally.

14. Mr. de Soto continued as my Special Adviser on Cyprus, Mr. Zbigniew Wlosowicz as Acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission, and Major General Victory Rana as Force Commander.

V.Financial aspects

15.The General Assembly, by its resolution 55/266 of 14 June 2001, appropriated the amount of $42,389,220 gross for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the 12-month period from 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002. This amount includes the pledged voluntary contribution of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $13,565,715, from the Government of Cyprus and the annual pledge of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece.

16.Therefore,should the Security Council decide to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months as recommended in paragraph 19 below, the costs of maintaining the Force would be limited to the amount indicated above.

17.As at 31 October 2001, unpaid assessments to the Special Account for UNFICYP for the period from 16 June 1993 to 15 December 2001 amounted to $21.9 million. Total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations amounted to $2.6 billion.

VI.Observations

18.During the past six months, the situation along the ceasefire lines has been calm. Regrettably, no progress was made in removing the restrictions imposed by the Turkish Cypriot authorities and Turkish forces on UNFICYP or in restoring the status quo ante at Strovilia.

19.Under the present circumstances, I consider the peacekeeping operation in Cyprus essential for the maintenance of the ceasefire on the island. I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months, until 15 June 2002.

20.In conclusion, I wish to pay tribute to Mr. Alvaro de Soto, my Special Adviser, to Mr. Zbigniew Wlosowicz, the Acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission, to Major General Victory Rana, the Force Commander, and to the men and women serving with UNFICYP for the professionalism and dedication with which they have carried out their duties.

—————————————————————-

	United Nations		S/2001/534
	Security Council				Distr.: General 30 May 2001 Original: English

 

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

(for the period of 28 November 2000 to 29 May 2001)

	United Nations		S/2000/1138
	Security Council				Distr.: General 1 December  1997 Original: English

 

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

(for the period from 1 June to 27 November 2000)

I. Introduction

1.        The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments from 1 June to 27 November 2000 and brings up to date the record of activities of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) of 4 March 1964 and subsequent Security Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1303 (2000) of 14 June 2000.

 

II.  Activities of the Force

 

A.  Maintenance of the ceasefire and the military status quo

 

2.        The military situation along the ceasefire lines remained stable. As in the past, there were numerous provocative actions on both sides, such as shouting taunts, throwing stones and pointing weapons. On occasion, UNFICYP personnel were threatened with cocked weapons and their movement was impeded. The National Guard continued to carry out field works along the ceasefire line. The Turkish forces also carried out minor construction.

 

3.        Air violations of the United Nations buffer zone by Turkish military aircraft rose to 47, compared with 7 in the same period last year. In addition, on 22 October Turkish military aircraft reportedly came within a little over three nautical miles offshore from the Paphos air base, causing a National Guard air defence element to lock on its radar. Air violations of the buffer zone by military and civilian aircraft from the other side decreased to 10, compared with 18 in the same period last year. This number includes violations by three Greek military aircraft during the annual “Nikiforos” exercise.

 

4.        On 30 June the Turkish Cypriot authorities and Turkish forces instituted a number of measures against UNFICYP. The main measure was the closure of all crossings of the Turkish forces’ ceasefire line, except for the one at the former Ledra Palace Hotel in Nicosia. In conjunction with existing restrictions on UNFICYP movement in the north, this measure would have completely isolated United Nations troops in three camps in the north and at Strovilia. Three additional crossing points were subsequently reopened to allow access to the camps from the south. The next day the Turkish forces/Turkish Cypriot security forces moved forward of their ceasefire line at Strovilia and have since controlled the access of UNFICYP to its post in this small hamlet, which is inhabited by Greek Cypriots. Since October, the Turkish forces have prevented UNFICYP from moving along the Famagusta-Dherinia road.

 

5.        The impact of these restrictions has been significant. In sector 1 in the west, including the Kokkina pocket, 10 kilometres of dangerous mountain track have been added to the Mission’s access route. In sector 4 in the east, the drive from the sector headquarters north of Famagusta to the nearest United Nations post in the buffer zone, which previously took 20 minutes, now involves a long detour through Nicosia and takes up to four hours. As a result, the operational effectiveness of UNFICYP has suffered; response times have increased and command, logistic and administrative movements have lengthened significantly.

 

6.        The Turkish Cypriot authorities have also imposed mandatory additional insurance for United Nations vehicles, which must be obtained from insurance companies in the north, and announced that they would from now on require UNFICYP to pay for electricity and other utilities for its bases in the north. Traditionally, the electricity consumed by UNFICYP in the north came from the south, but an increasing share is now generated in the north. UNFICYP is looking into this matter.

 

7.        UNFICYP continued to monitor the status quo in the fenced area of Varosha, which continued to change. During the period, the refurbishment of an additional building was completed and work started on two more buildings. The United Nations continues to hold the Government of Turkey responsible for maintaining the status quo in Varosha.

 

8.        There were frequent crossings of the maritime security line by Greek Cypriot fishing and tourist boats offshore from Dherinia, occasionally triggering warning shots from the Turkish forces. In the north-west, the Turkish forces’ supply boats on their way to and from Kokkina crossed the line on a daily basis, as a result of keeping inshore of the minimum distance of 3,000 metres required by UNFICYP. The maritime security line is the seaward extension of the median of the buffer zone, which vessels of either side are advised, for their own safety, not to cross.

 

9.        UNFICYP has no precise information about the military strength and armaments on both sides, although it is aware of some new acquisitions and replacement of older equipment during the period. The annual National Guard exercise, “Nikiforos”, took place from 17 to 21 October with Greek elements participating. The annual Turkish forces exercise, “Toros II”, was held from 21 to 23 November.

 

B.  Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

 

10.      Contacts between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on the island increased in the past six months, including at large public events, such as the Festival of Mutual Understanding organized by political parties in September and the United Nations Day celebration in October. These two events together involved approximately 13,000 people from both sides. Other initiatives ranged from meetings of politicians, youth workshops and a summer school to forums for business representatives, media and teachers. Most gatherings were held at the former Ledra Palace Hotel in Nicosia, which accommodated more than 30 events from June to November, and in other locations in the buffer zone.

 

11.      UNFICYP continued to carry out its humanitarian tasks in support of the 428 Greek Cypriots and 165 Maronites living in the north and maintained contact with those Turkish Cypriots in the south who have made themselves known to the Force. Regarding the easing of certain restrictions on movement between the two sides, which the Turkish Cypriot authorities announced last May, the crossing fees they had imposed in 1998 have indeed been reduced, from £15 to £1. However, Greek Cypriots seeking to extend their visits to relatives in the Karpas beyond three days have encountered obstacles. The Turkish Cypriot authorities have also been less forthcoming than in the past with respect to crossings arranged by UNFICYP for humanitarian reasons.

 

12.      UNFICYP assisted various projects in the buffer zone with the cooperation of the local authorities from both sides. Progress was achieved on water supply matters, urban renovation work, use of farmland and roadways and other issues.

 

13.      From June to December, UNFICYP dealt with more than 400 incidents involving incursions into the buffer zone by civilians, mostly by Greek Cypriot hunters, who were often aggressive and sometimes violent. Others involved misbehaving youth or local villagers or farmers who failed to obtain permits from UNFICYP.

 

C.  Missing persons

 

14.      As proposed by the Secretary-General in May, the first assistant to the third member of the Committee on Missing Persons has worked with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot members to overcome existing obstacles and enable the Committee to reach binding decisions and resume its activities. This effort continues. The first assistant to the third member has remained at the disposal of the two sides to assist them as necessary with the implementation of the agreement on missing persons of 31 July 1997, reached by Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash. Although outside the sphere of the Committee, the agreement represents an important guarantee for the families of the missing persons. The two sides, which are solely responsible for its implementation, in 1998 provided each other with information already at their disposal on the location of graves of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot missing persons. In addition to other unilateral measures, the Greek Cypriot side has undertaken exhumations as well as identification of remains. However, the two sides have not yet been able to work out ad hoc arrangements for the exchange of the remains.

 

III. Economic and social activities of the United Nations system

 

15.      The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the United Nations Office for Project Services, continued to implement its programme aimed at promoting goodwill by encouraging the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots to work together in the preparation and implementation of projects in areas of mutual concern, notably public health, environment, sanitation, water, urban renovation, preservation of cultural heritage, natural resources and education. UNDP and the United Nations Office for Project Services received cooperation from both sides in relation to their work.

 

IV.  Mission of good offices

 

16.      Pursuant to Security Council resolution 1250 (1999), proximity talks continued with the two parties, led respectively by Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash. The talks were facilitated on the Secretary-General’s behalf by his Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, who was assisted by a small team of Secretariat and UNFICYP staff and international consultants as required. Three sessions were held: in July/August in Geneva, in September in New York and in October/November again in Geneva. Mr. de Soto also met with the two leaders during visits to Cyprus in June and October and had discussions in Athens and Ankara in June. He is currently visiting the area for further discussions. I have invited Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash to attend further talks in Geneva in late January.

 

V.  Organizational matters

 

17.      As at October 2000, UNFICYP comprised 1,210 troops, 34 civilian police and 189 civilian personnel. The military personnel are from Argentina (408), Austria (234), Canada (2), Finland (12), Hungary (112), Ireland (3), the Netherlands (98), Slovenia (29) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (312). The Argentine contingent includes soldiers from Bolivia (2), Brazil (2), Paraguay (1) and Uruguay (5). The civilian police are provided by Australia (16) and Ireland (18) and, of the civilian staff, 42 are recruited internationally and 147 locally. The Government of Austria has informed me that it intends to withdraw its contingent by September 2001. I am in touch with Governments concerning a replacement.

 

18.      Mr. de Soto continued as my Special Adviser on Cyprus. On 15 June, Zbigniew Wlosowicz assumed the post of Acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission, following the departure of James Holger. Major General Victory Rana continued as Force Commander.

 

VI. Financial aspects

 

19.      The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/270 of 15 June 2000, appropriated an amount of $43,422,065 gross for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the 12-month period from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001. This amount includes the pledged voluntary contributions of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $13,801,375, from the Government of Cyprus and the annual pledge of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece.

 

20.      Should the Security Council decide to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months as recommended in paragraph 23 below, the cost of maintaining the Force would be limited to the amount indicated above.

 

21.      As at 31 October 2000, unpaid assessments to the Special Account for UNFICYP from 16 June 1993 to 31 December 2000 amounted to $22.5 million. Total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations amounted to $2.1 billion. 

 

VII.   Observations

 

22.      The situation along the ceasefire lines in Cyprus has remained generally stable. However, the conditions in which UNFICYP operates have become more difficult, owing to the restrictions imposed on it by the Turkish Cypriot authorities and the Turkish forces. My urgent call to rescind the restrictions and to restore the military status quo ante at Strovilia has not, so far, met with a positive response.

 

23.      In the prevailing circumstances, I continue to consider the presence of UNFICYP essential for the maintenance of the ceasefire on the island. I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months, until 15 June 2001. I am consulting with the parties concerned about the extension and shall inform the Council in due course.

 

24.      In making this recommendation, I must draw attention to the shortfall in the funding of the Force. At present, unpaid assessments amount to some $22.5 million. This sum represents money owed to the Member States that contribute the troops who make up the Force. I appeal to the Member States to pay their assessments promptly and in full and to clear all remaining arrears.

 

25.      In conclusion, I wish to pay tribute to Mr. de Soto, my Special Adviser, to Mr. Wlosowicz, the Acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission, to Major General Rana, the Force Commander, and to the men and women serving with UNFICYP for the professionalism and dedication with which they have carried out their duties.

 

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	United Nations		S/1999/1203
	Security Council				Distr.: General 29 November 1999 Original: English

 

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

(for the period from 10 June to 29 November 1999)

I. INTRODUCTION

1. The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments from 10 June to 29 November 1999 and brings up to date the record of activities of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) of 4 March 1964 and subsequent Security Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1251 (1999) of 29 June 1999, as well as of my mission of good offices pursuant to Security Council resolution 1250 (1999) of 29 June 1999.

 

II. ACTIVITIES OF THE FORCE

A. Maintenance of the ceasefire and military status quo

2. During the period under review, the situation along the ceasefire lines remained essentially stable, although there were numerous minor but provocative incidents, particularly in the area of Nicosia, where the positions of the opposing forces are in close proximity. These incidents included the pointing and cocking of weapons, laser and searchlight illumination, the shouting of insults and stone-throwing. Military construction along the ceasefire lines continued on both sides, including minefield refurbishment and the construction of anti-tank ditches by the National Guard.

3. There were several violations by the National Guard in the area of Athienou. On 17 October, a military ceremony was held in Athienou in the buffer zone, attended by the Commander of the National Guard and 60 armed soldiers. This was protested by UNFICYP. At the beginning of November, UNFICYP noticed that a house in Athienou had been equipped with additional telephone lines and a very high frequency antenna. Inside the house, a military map and National Guard personnel in uniform could be seen, creating the appearance of a military command post. UNFICYP raised the matter with the National Guard and the activities at the house ceased. UNFICYP also found five machine gun trenches near Athienou, which have now been filled in.

4. The annual National Guard exercise, “Nikiforos”, took place from 2 to 7 October 1999. The profile and duration of the exercise was reduced from previous years. With the exception of large convoys using highways that cross parts of the United Nations buffer zone, the exercise did not affect the military status quo along the ceasefire lines. During the traditional National Guard parade on 1 October, the TOR-M1 low to medium altitude surface-to-air missile system was publicly displayed for the first time. The annual Turkish Forces exercise “TOROS II” took place from 25 to 27 November; it too was on a smaller scale than in previous years.

5. UNFICYP continued to monitor the fenced area of Varosha. Some alterations of the status quo, including the construction and opening of a supermarket, the repositioning of a fence to increase the area used for public access to the beach and minor modifications to existing properties, were observed. The United Nations continues to hold the Government of Turkey is responsible for the maintenance of the status quo in Varosha.

6. Crossings of the eastern maritime security line by Greek Cypriots boats increased significantly during the summer holiday season, despite frequent public warnings by UNFICYP. These crossings are provocative vis-ΰ-vis the Turkish Forces and on occasion caused them to fire warning shots.

7. During the period under review, more hunters penetrated deeper into the buffer zone and were more aggressive towards UNFICYP personnel than in previous years.

8. There were no significant developments concerning the matters addressed in paragraphs 3 to 9 of Security Council resolution 1251 (1999).

 

B. Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

9. On-island contact between the two communities remained very limited owing to the restrictions imposed by Turkish Cypriot authorities. However, an international open house, organized by UNFICYP on United Nations Day, was attended by some 5,000 people, of whom more than 3,000 were Turkish Cypriots. On 12 November, a Turkish and a Greek television station organized and aired a debate attended by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot politicians, business personalities and journalists at the Ledra Palace Hotel.

10. UNFICYP continued to promote civilian activities in the buffer zone, subject to operational and security requirements. New regulations related to farming at night and the burning of fields were introduced to increase safety. UNFICYP maintained close cooperation with both sides in order to resolve problems concerning water, electricity and sewage. In the mixed village of Pyla, UNFICYP continued to promote stability and the well-being of residents.

11. On 24 June 1999, 234 sick children and their caregivers visited the Apostolos Andreas Monastery on the Karpas Peninsula. Another group of 963 Greek Cypriots undertook the same pilgrimage on 15 August 1999. Two groups of Turkish Cypriots, numbering 137 and 829 persons, visited the memorial site in Kokkina on 26 June and 8 August 1999, respectively. UNFICYP facilitated all of these visits.

12. UNFICYP carried out its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 432 Greek Cypriots and 159 Maronites living in the northern part of the island and the 310 Turkish Cypriots in the southern part who have made themselves known to the Force. As in the past, UNFICYP helped to arrange the annual delivery of school books to the Greek Cypriot school in Rizokarpaso. This year the delivery was delayed because the Turkish Cypriot authorities objected to the books on political grounds. On 17 November, 68 out of 120 books were distributed to the school. Another unresolved problem is the Turkish Cypriot practice of preventing the burial of Greek Cypriot residents in the Karpas Peninsula whenever their bodies have been temporarily brought to the southern part of the island for post mortem examinations. UNFICYP continued to press the Turkish Cypriot authorities to allow Greek Cypriots from the Peninsula to be buried there regardless of where and by whom the post mortem examinations were conducted.

 

III. MISSING PERSONS

13. During the period under review, the third member of the Committee on Missing Persons continued his consultations on both sides in order to resume the Committee’s activities. While these exchanges of views further clarified the respective positions of both sides, they did not resolve their differences. It is to be hoped that the two sides will assess the implications of this situation with due urgency and seriousness, with a view to overcoming the stalemate on this humanitarian issue.

 

IV. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM

14. The United Nations Development Programme, through the United Nations Office for Project Services, continued to implement its programme aimed at confidence-building by encouraging both communities to work together in the preparation and implementation of projects in areas of mutual concern, notably public health, environment, sanitation, water, urban renovation, preservation of cultural heritage, natural resources and education.

 

V. MISSION OF GOOD OFFICES OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

15. On 14 November 1999, in response to my invitation, both Mr. Glafcos Clerides and Mr. Rauf Denktash agreed to start proximity talks in New York on 3 December 1999 in order to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement. I shall keep the Security Council informed of developments.

 

VI. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

16. As of November 1999, UNFICYP comprised 1,219 troops and 35 civilian police. The military personnel are from Argentina (411), Austria (237), Canada (2), Finland (9), Hungary (111), Slovenia (29), the Netherlands (100), Ireland (5) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (315). The Argentinean contingent includes eight soldiers from Bolivia (2), Brazil (2), Paraguay (1) and Uruguay (3). The civilian police are provided by Austria (20) and Ireland (15). UNFICYP currently has 234 civilian staff, of whom 37 were recruited internationally and 197 locally.

17. My Special Representative and Chief of Mission, Dame Ann Hercus, left at the end of September. Mr. James Holger has replaced her as Acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission. I have appointed Mr. Alvaro de Soto as my Special Adviser on Cyprus. He will take up residence on the island in the spring of 2000 as my Special Representative. Major-General Evergisto de Vergara continued as Force Commander, but will relinquish this post on 15 December 1999. I plan to write to the Security Council shortly about his replacement.

 

VII. FINANCIAL ASPECTS

18. The General Assembly, by its resolution 53/231 of 8 June 1999, appropriated the amount of $45,630,927 gross for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the 12-month period from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2000. This amount includes the pledged voluntary contributions of one-third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $14,630,810, from the Government of Cyprus and the annual pledge of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece.

19. Therefore, should the Security Council decide to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months as recommended in paragraph 22 below, the cost of maintaining the Force would be limited to the amount indicated above. Of that amount, some $12.25 million will be assessed on Member States.

20. As at 15 November 1999, unpaid assessments to the Special Account for UNFICYP from 16 June 1993 to 31 December 1999 amounted to $19.1 million. Total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations amounted to $1.7 billion.

 

VIII. OBSERVATIONS

21. During the past six months the situation along the ceasefire lines has remained stable. The prevention of incidents remains dependent entirely upon the discipline imposed upon the troops on both sides and upon their consistent cooperation with UNFICYP. This year’s United Nations Day celebration was a timely reminder that direct contact between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can positively influence the atmosphere.

22. Under the existing circumstances, the presence of UNFICYP on the island remains indispensable for the maintenance of the ceasefire between the two sides. Therefore, I recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of 6 months, until 15 June 2000. I am consulting the parties on the matter and shall report to the Council as soon as the consultations have been completed.

23. In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to Dame Ann Hercus for her valuable contribution as my Special Representative and Chief of Mission in Cyprus and to Mr. James Holger who is currently the Acting Special Representative and Chief of Mission. I also wish to pay tribute to the Force Commander, Major-General Evergisto de Vergara, 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.

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	United Nations		S/1999/657
	Security Council				Distr.: General 8 June 1999 Original: English

 

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

(for the period from 9 December 1998 to 9 June 1999)

 

I. INTRODUCTION

1. The present report covers developments from 9 December 1998 to 9 June 1999 and brings up to date the record of activities of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) of 4 March 1964 and subsequent Security Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1217 (1998) of 22 December 1998. With regard to my mission of good offices, diplomatic efforts are currently under way on which I expect to be able to report before the end of the month.

 

II. ACTIVITIES OF THE FORCE

A. Maintenance of the ceasefire and the military status quo

2. During the period under review, the situation along the ceasefire lines remained essentially stable. As in the past, there were numerous small incidents, most of which were dealt with at the local level. There was an increasing number of acts of provocation, such as pointing and cocking of weapons, shouting of insults, throwing of objects, obscene gestures and shining of searchlights at the other side’s positions, particularly in Nicosia where the lines are in close proximity. This has become a matter of serious concern, since such acts could trigger a serious incident. The incidents also included some overflights over the United Nations buffer zone from each side, as well as military construction on or close to the ceasefire lines, in some cases involving the National Guard, forward of the lines inside the United Nations buffer zone. UNFICYP continued to resist firmly any challenge to the delineation of the ceasefire lines.

3. The routine replacement by the Turkish forces of marker buoys off the shore south of Famagusta led to several days of tension in May, in part because one buoy was placed in the wrong position for a short while. A National Guard vessel crossed the maritime security line and came very close to the buoys. The maritime security line marks the eastern seaward extension of the median of the buffer zone, which vessels from both sides are advised, for their own safety, not to cross. UNFICYP posted new, more visible signs on the shore to warn fishing and tourist boats from the south, which tend to cross the line in increased numbers during the summer months. Turkish forces supply boats travelling to and from Kokkina regularly cross the line at the western extension of the buffer zone closer to the shore than the minimum distance of 3,000 metres required by UNFICYP.

4. UNFICYP continued to monitor the fenced area of Varosha. Suggestions by the Turkish Cypriot side that they might open Varosha for settlement provoked a strong public reaction on the Greek Cypriot side. UNFICYP did not observe any significant change in the status quo in that area, for which the United Nations holds the Government of Turkey responsible.

 

B. Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

(civil affairs and civilian police)

5. The suspension of bi-communal contacts imposed by the Turkish Cypriot authorities remained in effect and continued to limit on-island contacts between the two communities. For example, an event organized by UNFICYP at the Ledra Palace Hotel in the buffer zone on 6 March to mark International Women’s Day had to go ahead without the presence of Turkish Cypriots. It should be noted that the trade unions on both sides have continued to maintain regular contact. On 28 and 29 May, they held a forum, which was attended by 300 Greek and Turkish Cypriot trade union representatives.

6. UNFICYP continued to facilitate civilian use of the buffer zone for manufacturing and agriculture and for the maintenance of public utilities. This activity includes the establishment of written agreements in order to regularize access to the buffer zone. UNFICYP also continued to act as intermediary between the two sides to facilitate cooperation on such matters as the distribution of water and electricity and the disposal of sewage.

7. During the period under review, seven Turkish citizens and five Turkish Cypriots crossed the buffer zone to the southern part of the island and were detained by the police. Some were released after a few days, while others were charged and later fined in court or sentenced to prison terms. Similarly, three Greek Cypriots and three Greek citizens were detained after crossing northward. UNFICYP visited the prisoners and facilitated their subsequent release, as well as that of their vehicles. Both sides returned impounded items more expeditiously than in the past. In accordance with long-standing procedure, UNFICYP is to be involved without delay whenever the police on either side detain a member of the other community.

8. On 21 January 1999 and 30 March 1999, 1,280 and 1,350 Turkish Cypriots, respectively, made a pilgrimage to the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca. On 12 April 1999, 1,452 Greek Cypriots undertook a pilgrimage to the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in the Karpas Peninsula. UNFICYP assisted in arranging those events.

9. UNFICYP continued to carry out humanitarian tasks in respect of Greek Cypriots and Maronites residing in the northern part of the island and Turkish Cypriots in the southern part. There are now 452 Greek Cypriots in the Karpas area and one in Kyrenia, as well as 159 Maronites in the Kormakiti area. On 2 October 1998, the Turkish Cypriot authorities informed UNFICYP of the lifting of certain controls affecting Maronites and Greek Cypriots in the northern part of the island (except in restricted military areas). Following initial delays in implementation, Greek Cypriots on the Karpas Peninsula are now allowed to travel in the northern part of the island without first reporting to the local police. First-degree relatives residing in the southern part of the island benefit from more flexible crossing regulations and may stay with their relatives in the north beyond the previously imposed time limit.

10. According to the Turkish Cypriot authorities, the review of legislation that prohibits Greek Cypriots and Maronites residing in the northern part of the island from bequeathing their movable and immovable property to heirs that do not reside there has not yet been completed (see S/1998/1149, para. 16).

11. Some 310 Turkish Cypriots in the southern part of the island have made themselves known to UNFICYP. They had made very little use of the UNFICYP liaison office in Limassol, which was opened in December 1996; the office was therefore closed on 1 March 1999. UNFICYP has increased visits to the areas of residence of those Turkish Cypriots. Meetings between family members residing on different sides of the buffer zone still occur at the UNFICYP exchange point (at the crossing in Nicosia) at the rate of two or three per week.

 

C. Missing persons

12. Because of continuing disagreement between the two sides, the Committee on Missing Persons was once again unable to proceed to its substantive work, despite the vigorous efforts of its third member. It is to be hoped that the two sides will assess the implications of this situation with due urgency and seriousness, with a view to overcoming the stalemate on this humanitarian issue.

 

III. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM

13. The United Nations Development Programme, through the United Nations Office for Project Services, continued to implement its programme aimed at promoting confidence-building by encouraging the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to work together in the preparation and implementation of projects in areas of mutual concern, notably public health, environment, sanitation, water, urban renovation, preservation of cultural heritage, natural resources and education.

 

IV. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

14. As of May 1999, UNFICYP comprised 1,223 troops and 34 civilian police. The military personnel are from Argentina (412), Austria (239), Canada (2), Finland (9), Hungary (109), Ireland (20), Slovenia (27), the Netherlands (101) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (304). The Argentinian contingent includes eight officers from Bolivia (2), Brazil (2) Paraguay (1) and Uruguay (3). The civilian police are provided by Australia (19) and Ireland (15). UNFICYP currently has 41 international civilian staff and 215 local civilian staff.

15. In April 1999, I accepted the resignation of my Special Adviser for Cyprus, Diego Cordovez, who will continue as my Special Adviser on other matters, especially relating to Latin American affairs. His advice has been invaluable and I am grateful for his contribution, particularly in connection with the meetings in Troutbeck and Glion in 1997. Ann Hercus continues as my Deputy Special Representative and Chief of Mission of the United Nations Operation in Cyprus and Major-General Evergisto A. de Vergara continues as Force Commander.

 

V. FINANCIAL ASPECTS

16. The General Assembly, in its resolution 53/231 of 8 June 1999, decided to appropriate an amount of $45,630,927 gross for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the 12-month period from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2000. That amount includes the pledged voluntary contributions of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to $14,630,810, from the Government of Cyprus and the annual pledge of $6.5 million from the Government of Greece.

17. Therefore, should the Security Council decide to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months as recommended in paragraph 21 below, the cost of maintaining the Force would be approximately $22.8 million. Of that amount, approximately $12.2 million will be assessed on Member States.

18. As at 31 May 1999, unpaid assessments to the Special Account for UNFICYP from 16 June 1993 to 30 June 1999 amounted to $17.4 million. Total outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations at the same date amounted to $1,568 million.

 

VI. OBSERVATIONS

19. During the past six months, the situation along the ceasefire lines remained stable. UNFICYP continued to use its best efforts to maintain the ceasefire by maintaining the United Nations buffer zone between the ceasefire lines and responding quickly to incidents. These were mostly minor, but the increasing practice by members of the opposing forces of engaging in provocative behaviour along the lines heightens the risk of more serious incidents and thus gives cause for concern.

20. The United Nations acts on the premise that both sides wish to prevent incidents. This is best achieved by enforcing strict discipline along the ceasefire lines and cooperating effectively with UNFICYP on the basis of long-standing principles and practices. The adoption of the UNFICYP package of measures to reduce tension along the ceasefire lines, which has been mentioned in past reports, would further contribute to stabilizing the situation. More direct contract between Greek and Turkish Cypriots on the island would also influence the atmosphere positively.

21. In the existing circumstances, the presence of UNFICYP on the island remains indispensable for the maintenance of the ceasefire between the two sides. I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months, until 31 December 1999. I am consulting the parties concerned on the matter and shall report to the Council as soon as the consultations have been completed.

22. In conclusion, I wish to express appreciation to my Deputy Special Representative and Chief of Mission in Cyprus, Ann Hercus, and to pay tribute to the Force Commander, Major-General Evergisto A. de Vergara, and the men and women serving with UNFICYP for the efficiency and dedication with which they have discharged the responsibilities entrusted to them by the Security Council.

 

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