Cyprus, as the host country of one of the longest-running peacekeeping operations in the world, is fully aware of the necessity of sustaining a UN force to prevent the recurrence of fighting, permanent representative to the United Nations Maria Michail said on Tuesday.

Her point was echoed by deputy permanent representative of Greece Ioannis Stamatekos who said Unficyp “continues to play an irreplaceable role in maintaining stability on the island, in de-escalating tensions within the buffer zone” and in supporting the efforts of the UN to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table.

They were both speaking during the Security Council open debate on the future of peacekeeping operations.

Michail underlined that the Security Council “must remain at the centre of the peace and security architecture” and that peace operations must be focused on “the principles of the UN Charter,” with an emphasis on international law, human rights, and the involvement of women and youth in all phases of peace processes.

“The mandate of Unficyp, as agreed to by Cyprus, aims to uphold the Charter, implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, and act as a bulwark against the consolidation of the effects of aggression, by contributing to the restoration of law and order ensuring a return to normal conditions,” she underlined.

Concluding, she stressed that “peace is a collective effort” and that UN operations are “an essential tool for peace and stability” requiring a common vision and strong political will.

Stamatekos said Greece had warmly welcomed the unanimous renewal of Unficyp’s mandate by the Council earlier this year.