The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on Monday commemorated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of efforts to maintain peace and stability on the island.
The Special Representative and Head of UNFICYP, Colin Stewart, delivered remarks during the medal ceremony, reflecting on the mission’s commitment and the sacrifices made by its members.
Speaking at an event at the Ledra Palace hotel, Special Stewart said he sees a window of opportunity in the Cyprus problem.
He pointed out the new closer relationship between Greece and Türkiye, the fact that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides is “pushing actively for a new political process”, as well as the fact that “for the first time in seven years, we have a personal envoy.”
For this reason, he said, “I believe that the Cyprus problem is still solvable. However, to get there we need political courage, a willingness to make difficult decisions, to criticise and to compromise.”
However, despite his optimism that the Cyprus problem remains solvable, he said “it is becoming increasingly clear that time is running out as the space for a mutually acceptable solution narrows every year.”
“We do not know whether or not there will be another opportunity if this one fails. We cannot afford to wait and see what happens,” he added.
He said the 60th anniversary of UNFICYP is “a sad reminder to all of us that the Cyprus problem has remained unsolved for too long, despite all the efforts which have been made to find a solution.”
He urged all parties, including Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and the international community, to support the current efforts to find a resolution, emphasizing the importance of seizing the current opportunity to prevent future anniversaries marked by the ongoing conflict.