Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regarding the Appointment of the Force Commander to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)

The statement made by the United Nations on 24 March 2021 announcing the appointment of Major General Ingrid Gjerde of Norway as Force Commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has been met with great disappointment.

In this regard, it is unacceptable that our authorities were not consulted, nor our consent sought, prior to the appointment of the UNFICYP Force Commander. Despite all the warnings conveyed to the UN authorities throughout the process leading up to the appointment of the Force Commander, be it by our Ministry or our Representative Office in New York, we strongly condemn its announcement through a press statement, which constitutes a violation of the UN’s well-established practices and working principles.

The success of the work of UNFICYP depends on cooperation with the TRNC. If cooperation is to be expected, it is essential to seek the consent of our authorities on the said appointment and all other issues concerning our country.

We stress the importance on the part of the UN of avoiding any actions which might disrupt the delicate balance between the two sides, particularly on the eve of the unofficial 5+UN meeting.

Our views and concerns in relation to the said appointment are being conveyed to the relevant United Nations authorities.