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It is an honour to represent
the Republic of Cyprus at this United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial
Meeting in Accra.
Sincere thanks to the Republic
of Ghana and the UN Secretariat for organising this important event.
At the outset, allow me to pay
tribute on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to all UN
service personnel, men and women who have served as peacekeepers around the
world, including in Cyprus, to achieve conditions of peace and stability.
We find ourselves at a
significant and critical geopolitical juncture.
Our world faces complex,
multifaceted challenges that threaten international peace and security. In
the current turmoil and instability, UN Peacekeeping Operations have a vital
role to play.
Cyprus has a clear
understanding of the necessity and invaluable contribution of the United
Nations in the field of peacekeeping. As one of the longest – running
peacekeeping operations in the world, the UN Force in Cyprus retains its
significance in maintaining the ceasefire on the island, preventing
escalation, and protecting civilians.
The ongoing occupation of part
of Cyprus's territory, the constant challenges to the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, and the latest violations
within the buffer zone by the Turkish occupation army prove that the presence
of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus is indispensable to maintain peace and
stability.
UNFICYP’s mandate, as agreed to
by the Republic of Cyprus, aims to uphold the UN Charter and implement
relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.
In addition to hosting a
peacekeeping mission, Cyprus provides access to facilities and infrastructure
to support pre-deployment training and to facilitate military mobility for UN
Peacekeeping Operations.
Let me state Cyprus’ support
for the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.
We welcome efforts for greater
deployment of women in UN Peacekeeping Operations and greater participation
of women in Peace Processes.
The UΝ Force in Cyprus was the
first UN peacekeeping force to appoint a woman as its Force Commander and
have women lead all its components, political, military and civilian.
In this context, and responding
to the call of this Ministerial to strengthen UN Peacekeeping Missions,
Cyprus pledges to organise and host three different training courses:
- Demining
Training,
- seminars
dedicated to promoting the Women Peace and Security Agenda and
- Search
and Rescue Operations training, including MEDEVAC.
Distinguished Delegates,
The Republic of Cyprus will
remain a strong supporter of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations,
acknowledging their valuable contribution to maintaining peace and stability.
Thank you for your kind
attention.
(MS/AP)
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