Window of opportunity will not remain open forever

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and UNFICYP Chief of Mission, Michael Moller, said here today that it has been clear for some time now, that rather than launching a new initiative for Cyprus, the UN will support good faith efforts on the part of both sides to restart talks and work for a solution.

In his address at the UNFICYP Winter Medal Parade, the UN official said that this year may indeed prove crucial for a solution, “but we have seen expectations raised many times before”. “The time has come for serious negotiations. The window of opportunity we have this year will not remain open forever,” Moller said.

Referring to the mission in Cyprus, Moller said that its length and the continuing lack of progress on a settlement, have given rise to a number of legitimate questions, such as “How much longer will the international community wait for a settlement? What more can UNFICYP do after 44 years here? Can the resources devoted to the search for a solution be put to better use in critical situations elsewhere?” expressing the belief that all questions boil down to one:
“Is there the necessary political will among the leaders of both communities in Cyprus, to sit down and negotiate seriously to find a solution, for the greater good of their people?”

“The answer to that question lies, as does the key to a settlement, not with us, but with Cypriots themselves. We have all recently heard much speculation about the possibility of a new, last-chance UN initiative on the Cyprus problem. Depending on whom one listens to, this initiative is imminent, probable, or contingent on the results of the election. In fact, it has been clear for some time now, that rather than launching a new initiative, the UN will support good faith efforts on the part of both sides to restart talks and work for a solution”, the UN official said.

Referring to the UNFICYP Winter medal parade he said “it is always very moving to see our contingents come together as they have today, men and women from different horizons united to support the commitment of the international community to peace, stability and a just settlement in Cyprus”.

This year, he noted, marks the 60th anniversary of UN peacekeeping, and peacekeepers have been serving the cause of peace illustriously in Cyprus for most of that time and that “is certainly, and rightly, a matter of pride for all peacekeepers and the United Nations”.

He further expressed certainty that the peacekeepers, will continue to work to ensure that stability and calm remain the norm in that area for which they are responsible.

“We pay tribute to you today, for the impartiality, tolerance; patience, tact and diplomacy that you consistently demonstrate as you work in what are often trying and difficult circumstances. It is an honour for me to award you the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal in the name of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at this ceremony. The medal is recognition of your contribution to peacekeeping as peacekeepers, and you richly deserve it,” the UN Special Representative concluded.