Adopted by the Security Council at its 5593rd meeting, on 15 December 2006
The Security Council,
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 1 December 2006 (S/2006/931) on the United Nations operation in Cyprus,
Noting that the Government of Cyprus is agreed that in view of the prevailing
conditions in the island it is necessary to keep UNFICYP beyond 15 December
2006,
Taking note of the assessment of the Secretary-General that the security
situation on the island continues to be generally stable and that the situation along the Green Line remains calm, and welcoming the decrease in the overall number of incidents involving the two sides,
Urging both sides to avoid any action which could lead to an increase in
tension such as military exercises and, in this context, noting with concern that disagreements have arisen over civilian activities in the buffer zone, including farming and construction, and encouraging both sides to engage in consultations with UNFICYP on the demarcation of the buffer zone, respecting UNFICYP’s mandate, and to reach an agreed approach to UNFICYP’s operations in the buffer zone on the basis of the United Nations 1989 aide-memoire,
Expressing its strong appreciation for the work of Under-Secretary-General
Gambari in achieving the 8 July agreement and welcoming the principles and
decisions enshrined therein, including recognition that the status quo is unacceptable and that a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation and political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions, is both desirable and possible and should not be further delayed, but noting, with regret, the Secretary-General’s assessment that continued lack of trust between the parties has so far prevented the implementation of any of those decisions, underlining the need to implement the 8 July agreement without further delay, and expressing the hope that the recent positive reaction of the leaders of both communities to suggestions by the United Nations will result in the finalisation of the preparatory phase as soon as possible in order to prepare the ground for fully-fledged negotiations leading to a comprehensive and durable settlement,
Welcoming continued progress in demining, expressing strong support for
UNFICYP’s efforts to extend demining operations to Turkish Forces minefields in the rest of the buffer zone, and welcoming the prospect that it could be declared free of mines within two years,
Reiterating its call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue
of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness, and welcoming in this regard the resumption of the activities of the Committee on Missing Persons since August 2004, and the progress which has since been made, as well as the appointment by the Secretary-General of a third member,
Welcoming the continuing crossings by Greek Cypriots to the north and
Turkish Cypriots to the south which have taken place peacefully, and encouraging
early progress on other confidence-building measures, such as the opening of
additional crossing points, including at Ledra Street,
Welcoming all efforts to promote bicommunal contacts and events, including, inter alia, on the part of the United Nations, and urging the two sides to promote further bicommunal contacts and to remove any obstacles to such contacts,
Expressing concern, in this respect, that opportunities for constructive public
debate about the future of the island, within and between the communities, are
becoming fewer, and that this atmosphere is hampering, in particular, efforts to
foster bicommunal activities intended to benefit Greek Cypriots and Turkish
Cypriots, and to promote reconciliation and build trust in order to facilitate a
comprehensive settlement,
Noting the primary role of the United Nations in assisting the parties to bring
the Cyprus conflict and division of the island to a comprehensive and durable
settlement,
Reaffirming the importance of the Secretary-General continuing to keep the
operations of UNFICYP under close review while continuing to take into account
developments on the ground and the views of the parties, and reverting to the
Council with recommendations as appropriate for further adjustments to
UNFICYP’s mandate, force levels and concept of operation as soon as warranted,