Reaction from Turkey to the UN Security Council resolution on the extension of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

In a written statement made by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Turkey reacted to the UN Security Council resolution on the extension of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus for another 6 months and stressed that it is an important failure to not seek the consent of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The statement is as follows:

“The last United Nations Security Council Resolution on the extension of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for a period of six months was adopted on 25 July 2019.

The statement made today by the Deputy Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is fully supported by Turkey.

The most important issue of the extension of the mandate of UNFICYP with this Resolution is that the consent of the TRNC was not sought, in contrast to the UN’s established practices.

In the Resolution, the fact that the wording regarding the settlement of the Cyprus issue was drafted in such a way to constrain all parties to discuss different alternatives for a negotiated settlement, contradicts the need for new ideas as called for by the Secretary-General in the past.

As stated on many occasions, the real cause of the Cyprus issue is the Greek Cypriot side’s unwillingness to share the power and wealth with the Turkish Cypriots. Unless this mindset changes and that a common ground and a joint vision based on political equality is found, there will never be a real and result-oriented negotiation process between the two sides.

As the co-owner and political equal of the Island, the Turkish Cypriots will never accept a minority status.

On another point, it is also unfortunate and unfair to notice that the resolution does not make reference to the 13 July cooperation proposal of TRNC, while it calls for a reduction of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. The TRNC authorities made constructive proposals to the Greek Cypriot side in 2011, 2012 and most recently on 13 July 2019. These proposals of the Turkish Cypriot side, all supported by Turkey, prove that it is the Turkish side which is making determined efforts, whilst these efforts are not reciprocated by the Greek Cypriot side.

The issue of the unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people by the Greek Cypriot Administration can no longer be overlooked, nor can its absence from the present resolution be accepted. The imposition of this isolation is also the most important element exacerbating the deep crisis of confidence between the two peoples and the two sides, preventing cooperation on important areas on the Island.

With this understanding, as a guarantor country, Turkey will continue to support the Turkish Cypriot people in every field and protect their rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.”