S/1995/488
15 June 1995

ORIGINAL: ENGLISH


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE UNITED NATIONS
OPERATION IN CYPRUS

(for the period 13 December 1994 to 15 June 1995)

 

I. INTRODUCTION

1. The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments during the period from 13 December 1994 to 15 June 1995 in the activities of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and my mission of good offices pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) of 4 March 1964 and subsequent Council resolutions, most recently resolution 969 (1994) of 21 December 1994. In keeping with my view that the activities of the Organization should be viewed as a whole and that the contributions of all the departments and agencies of the United Nations system can support in important and useful ways its peace-keeping and peacemaking endeavours, I have included in section IV of the present report information on the activities of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

 

II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

2. As at 1 June 1995, the composition of UNFICYP was as follows:

Military personnel

Argentina                             UNFICYP headquarters         6
                                            Infantry battalion                 364
                                            Military police element            6
                                            Helicopter flight                    16
                                                                                      392

Austria                                 UNFICYP headquarters          9
                                            Infantry battalion                  332
                                            Military police element           12
                                                                                        353 

Military personnel

Canada                                 UNFICYP headquarters        2
                                                                                          2

Finland                                 UNFICYP headquarters         2
                                                                                          2

Ireland                                 UNFICYP headquarters         6
                                            Camp Command Unit           17

                                            Military police element            2

   
                                                                                    25 

United Kingdom of              UNFICYP headquarters         9
Great Britain and                 Infantry battalion                 351

Northern Ireland Military     police element                         4
                                                                                     364

Total, military personnel                                              1138

 

Civilian police personnel

Australia                                                                        20
Ireland                                                                           15

Total, civilian police personnel                                        35

Total, UNFICYP                                                      1173

 

In addition, UNFICYP had 366 civilian staff, 42 of whom were internationally recruited and 318 locally recruited. The deployment of the Force is shown on the map attached to the present report.

3. Mr. Joe Clark continued as my Special Representative for Cyprus; Mr. Gustave Feissel continued as my Deputy Special Representative, resident in Cyprus, and as Chief of Mission when Mr. Clark was not on the island. Brigadier-General Ahti T. P. Vartiainen (Finland) continued as Force Commander.

Financial aspects

4. Should the Security Council decide to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months, that is, from 1 July to 31 December 1995, as recommended in paragraph 52 below, the full cost of maintaining the Force for the period is estimated at $21.7 million, which is one half of the amount approved by the General Assembly in its resolution 49/230 of 23 December 1994.

5. It is recalled that the financing of the Force since 16 June 1993 has consisted of voluntary contributions of $6.5 million annually from the Government of Greece and one third of the cost from the Government of Cyprus. On that basis, the amount to be assessed on Member States for the six-month period from 1 July to 31 December 1995 would amount to approximately $11.2 million.

6. As at 31 May 1995, the total outstanding assessed contributions to the UNFICYP Special Account amounted to $9.6 million and the outstanding assessed contributions for all peace-keeping operations totalled $1.9 billion.

 

III. ACTIVITIES OF THE FORCE

7. In its resolution 186 (1964), the Security Council defined the mandate of UNFICYP as follows:

"In the interest of preserving international peace and security, to use its best efforts to prevent a recurrence of fighting and, as necessary, to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of law and order and a return to normal conditions."

The Council has repeatedly reaffirmed that mandate, most recently in its resolution 969 (1994). In connection with the events that have occurred since 15 July 1974, the Council has adopted a number of resolutions, some of which required the Force to perform certain additional or modified functions relating, in particular, to the maintenance of the cease-fire. 1/

 

A. Relations with the parties

8. In carrying out its tasks, UNFICYP continued to maintain close liaison and cooperation with the military and civilian authorities on both sides. None the less, difficulties remained with respect to liaison with the Turkish Forces, who continued to refuse to treat with UNFICYP on a number of issues, referring the Force instead to the Turkish Cypriot authorities. That position affected, in particular, the maintenance of the status quo in the fenced area of Varosha and the implementation of certain provisions of Security Council resolution 969 (1994) relating to further unmanning and prohibition of the carriage of live ammunition and of certain weapons along the cease-fire lines, as well as the prohibition of firing weapons within sight or hearing of the buffer zone (see paras. 18-20 below). For its part, the United Nations has maintained that, as far as the Turkish/Turkish Cypriot side is concerned, the Turkish Forces are the party to the cease-fire established in 1974 and cannot abrogate their responsibility in that regard.

9. Regarding freedom of movement for members of UNFICYP in the northern part of the island, the guidelines established in 1983 2/ and subsequently improved in practice continued to be applied, although UNFICYP experienced frequent difficulties. Efforts to improve UNFICYP's freedom of movement in the northern part of the island remained unsuccessful, despite previous assurances to UNFICYP that a positive response would be forthcoming.

 

B. Maintenance of the cease-fire and the military status quo

10. As the members of the Security Council are aware, the cease-fire lines extend approximately 180 kilometres, roughly from east to west across the island. The area between the lines is known as the United Nations buffer zone. Its width varies from 20 metres to 7 kilometres, and it covers about 3 per cent of the island (see the attached map). The United Nations buffer zone contains some of the most fertile land in Cyprus, as well as a number of villages. With the exception of the mixed village of Pyla, the inhabitants of the buffer zone are almost entirely Greek Cypriots.

11. UNFICYP continues to keep the United Nations buffer zone under constant surveillance from 22 permanent observation posts, daylight hour surveillance from 2 additional posts and periodic daily observation from a further 19 patrol bases. UNFICYP now also maintains less frequent periodic surveillance of the remainder of the buffer zone from a further 118 observation posts, carries out vehicle, foot and air patrols, and maintains surveillance of the seaward extension of the cease-fire lines.

12. During the reporting period, both sides generally respected the cease-fire and the military status quo. UNFICYP intervened in numerous minor incidents to correct violations and to prevent any escalation. The firing of weapons was reported on numerous occasions. A significant number of these cases was attributable to undisciplined weapons discharges by members of the National Guard. In addition, on two occasions linked to a religious ceremony within the buffer zone in the area of Athienou on 6 and 7 June 1995, the National Guard violated the integrity of the buffer zone through the temporary deployment of a sizeable armed guard of honour.

13. Further to my previous report (S/1994/1407, para. 13), the National Guard continued with an extensive programme to strengthen its military positions, or to add new ones, along and behind its cease-fire line opposite all sectors of the buffer zone. Some excavations encroached upon the buffer zone and these were filled in after representations by UNFICYP. Meanwhile, the Turkish Forces have carried out maintenance and some minor improvements of military positions located along or behind their cease-fire line.

14. The number of air violations of the status quo has increased in comparison with the last mandate period. There was more air activity near the buffer zone and occasionally, as a result of pilot error, this resulted in a violation of the buffer zone. Turkish fighter aircraft entered Cypriot air space in the north of the island in May, as part of a military exercise. This incursion was protested by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.

15. A small number of demonstrations took place at locations close to the buffer zone. A few Greek Cypriot demonstrators entered the buffer zone during some of the demonstrations, but the situation was kept under control by UNFICYP and there was no violence.

16. Despite UNFICYP's continued representations, Greek Cypriot tourist and fishing boats continued to cross the seaward extension of the Turkish Forces cease-fire line. To do so, such vessels have to cross the seaward extension of the National Guard cease-fire line and the Maritime Security Line, which was established by UNFICYP as a practical measure for security and safety purposes in the vicinity of Kokkina and Famagusta. 3/ On two occasions, those aboard a Greek Cypriot fishing vessel were apprehended by a Turkish Cypriot patrol boat at locations to the north of the seaward extension of the Turkish Forces cease-fire line. After representations were made by UNFICYP, the crew members and the vessels in question were returned to the south. UNFICYP has made it clear to the appropriate authorities that such practices at sea raise tension and are potentially dangerous for the individuals concerned. UNFICYP, it will be recalled, has no capacity to operate at sea.

17. From late 1994, reports appeared in the Turkish Cypriot press indicating an intention on the part of the Turkish Cypriot authorities to refurbish the church of Ayios Ioannis, which is located within the fenced area of Varosha, and to open the building to the public as an icon museum. The United Nations took this matter up with the representatives, civilian and military, of the Government of the Republic of Turkey making it clear that such action would constitute a violation of the status quo in respect of the fenced area of Varosha. As has often been stated in my reports to the Security Council, the United Nations considers the Government of Turkey responsible for maintaining that status quo. 4/ Despite this, on 2 May 1995 the Turkish Cypriot authorities held a public ceremony inaugurating the church as an icon museum. Since then, access to the fenced area has been modified allowing members of the public to visit the church. UNFICYP has strongly protested to the Turkish Forces in Cyprus this violation of the status quo in respect of the fenced area of Varosha.

 

C. Implementation of paragraphs 4 to 6 of resolution 969 (1994)

18. In paragraph 4 of its resolution 969 (1994), the Security Council urged all concerned to commit themselves to a significant reduction in the number of foreign troops in the Republic of Cyprus to help restore confidence between the parties and as a first step towards the withdrawal of non-Cypriot forces as set out in the set of ideas (S/24472, annex I). Once again, despite continued efforts by UNFICYP, I regret to report that no progress has been made towards the implementation of these provisions; in fact, there has been a deterioration in this regard. Both sides have made improvements to their military capabilities as described below:

(a) The northern part of the island, with its garrison of some 30,000 Turkish troops and some 4,500 Turkish Cypriot troops, remains one of the most highly militarized areas in the world in terms of the ratio between the numbers of military personnel and civilians. During the reporting period, the Turkish Forces completed their programme to upgrade their fleet of between 250 and 300 tanks to the M48 A5 standard and introduced new artillery systems, including twin barrelled, towed anti-aircraft guns and a battalion of 155 mm self-propelled howitzers. These changes substantially enhance the military capabilities of the Turkish Forces in Cyprus.

(b) The National Guard, though by far the smaller of the two military establishments facing each other across the buffer zone, has continued its comprehensive programme to upgrade its strength. Steps taken by the Guard included the acquisition of Exocet missiles and plans to purchase a significant number of tanks, armoured personnel carriers and an air defence system. Also, in the context of the "Defence Dogma" agreed by the Government of Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, the National Guard has been recruiting volunteers, including from Greece, with a stated target over five years of an additional 5,000 personnel, including 500 in the first year.

19. In paragraph 5 of its resolution 969 (1994), the Security Council called once again on the military authorities on both sides to begin discussion with UNFICYP without further delay with a view to entering into mutual commitments to prohibit along the cease-fire lines live ammunition or weapons other than those which are hand-held. This objective has not been achieved. Furthermore, no progress has been made so far in pursuance of the Council's call on both sides to prohibit the firing of weapons within sight or hearing of the buffer zone.

20. In paragraph 6 of its resolution 969 (1994), the Security Council called upon the military authorities on both sides to cooperate with UNFICYP in extending the 1989 unmanning agreement to cover all areas of the buffer zone where the two sides are in close proximity to each other. While there have been continued declarations on both sides ostensibly in favour of unmanning in general terms, and despite ongoing contacts between UNFICYP and the military on each side, no concrete progress on implementation of the Security Council's call for further unmanning has been seen during the mandate period.

 

D. Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions

21. UNFICYP continued its efforts with authorities and agencies on both sides towards a return to normal conditions and promoted bi-communal contacts with a view to increasing levels of communication and cooperation for the benefit of both communities. UNHCR in Cyprus promoted bi-communal cooperation in a variety of areas. Similarly, UNDP, together with the specialized agencies, supported planning for bi-communal projects, including work undertaken in the context of the Nicosia master plan (see also sect. IV below).

22. UNFICYP has increased the space available for bi-communal activities at the Ledra Palace Hotel and has publicized, on both sides of the buffer zone, new simplified procedures for reserving space. A journalist's meeting room is now provided, where members of the press from both sides may gather without formality. UNFICYP has also facilitated ongoing work at the Ledra Palace Hotel by the grass-roots bi-communal steering group and a host of other bi-communal endeavours. It encourages interested groups and individuals on each side of the buffer zone to contemplate visiting the other side to pursue bi-communal contact. Unfortunately, and despite a public declaration made by Mr. Denktash on 20 January 1995 that "bi-communal contacts will be further promoted and encouraged", the Turkish Cypriot authorities have continued to place frequent impediments in the way of such contacts.

23. The air navigation interference affecting flights using Tymbou (Erçan) airport continued into the present mandate period. The Government has assured UNFICYP that it will ensure that this dangerous and illegal practice ceases.

24. The electricity shortfall that resulted in extensive power cuts in the northern part of the island for a six-month period was considerably alleviated in March 1995. This improvement was due to an increase in generating capacity island-wide with the commissioning of new power station in the northern part of the island.

25. During the period under review, the Government of Cyprus stated that a large number of churches located in the northern part of the island had been damaged, vandalized or converted into mosques and that a number of cemeteries had been desecrated, representing a destruction of the Greek Cypriot cultural heritage there. UNFICYP has again taken up these concerns with the Turkish Cypriot authorities.

26. The population of Greek Cypriots and Maronites residing in the northern part of the island is now 520 and 234 respectively. UNFICYP continued to provide them with humanitarian support by delivering food and other supplies provided by the Government of Cyprus and assisted in organizing visits and contacts between family members on both sides of the island and in ensuring that permanent moves to the south were voluntary, as it continues to do for Turkish Cypriots who move permanently from south to north.

27. UNFICYP continued its regular visits to Turkish Cypriots residing in the southern part of the island and to assist them by arranging family meetings with their relatives living in the north. These family meetings, which were not permitted by the Turkish Cypriot authorities for most of the previous mandate period, have resumed and continued without interruption to date.

28. UNFICYP has recently been engaged in extensive discussion with the authorities on both sides with regard to the conditions respectively of Greek Cypriots and Maronites located in the northern part of the island and of Turkish Cypriots located in the south. These contacts are ongoing and I will report to the Security Council on their outcome at an early opportunity.

29. Following a long-standing effort on UNFICYP's part, the Force secured the cooperation of both sides and coordinated the return, from each side of the buffer zone to the rightful owners located on the other side, of all the motor vehicles that in recent years had crossed the buffer zone in one circumstance or another.

30. The mixed village of Pyla, situated in the buffer zone, continued to receive attention from UNFICYP. In general, the village was calm and life proceeded quietly.

31. It will be recalled from my last report (S/1994/1407, para. 27) that there had been a permanent Cyprus Police checkpoint at the southern entrance to Pyla, which had been lifted in early December 1994. It was, however, replaced by a Cyprus Police temporary checkpoint in the same location, which has operated at irregular intervals. Of late, this temporary checkpoint is being operated on a more frequent basis. I am concerned that this will discourage tourists from the south from visiting the village and that the expected benefit to both communities in Pyla from the forthcoming peak tourist season will be rendered insignificant.

 

IV. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM

32. I am convinced that the economic and social development activities of the United Nations can facilitate the development of conditions helpful to a solution to the Cyprus problem. Two agencies in particular have historically been active in the social and economic areas in Cyprus, UNDP and UNHCR. Particularly noteworthy are their efforts to conduct activities within, and for the benefit of, both communities in Cyprus on a bi-communal basis. When Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can be brought together in joint activities, it contributes not only to the specific goals of projects and programmes but also to building mutual confidence and promoting a return to normal conditions through contacts and cooperation between the communities.

 

A. Activities of the United Nations Development Programme

33. The United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNDP), serving in the capacity of coordinator for the United Nations system's operational activities for development, continued to work in harmony with the United Nations specialized agencies. These activities included programmes of technical assistance, United Nations fellowships, and planning activities for future bi-communal projects in support of future United Nations efforts for the island of Cyprus.

34. The specialized agencies provided technical assistance to the Government of Cyprus, including four missions from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), five missions from the World Health Organization (WHO) and a mission from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). There were two missions to Cyprus carried out by United Nations interregional advisers. Technical assistance missions addressed the areas of genetic diagnostics, implementation of radiation protection, financial management, an oral health plan, control of zoonoses, child and adolescent psychiatric care and statistical measurements.

35. On 1 June 1995, UNDP will complete a project aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Cypriot industry at a total cost of $900,000. UNDP also executed and completed, under the Nicosia master plan, a photogrammetric measurement of the Venetian walls of Nicosia with participation by both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, providing $50,000 for the completion of the project. It is likely that, based on the UNDP report, a restoration effort will be undertaken prior to the end of 1995 totalling $650,000. In addition, UNDP undertook a project totalling $5,000 for the compilation of lists of experts and consultants from Cyprus to be placed upon the Information Referral System to utilize their expertise in support of small island States and other efforts to provide technical assistance within the United Nations system; continued negotiations with both parties for a future UNDP mission to assess the restoration requirements for the Apostolos Andreas Monastery on the Karpas peninsula; and provided $30,000 for the execution of a national human development report to be undertaken by the Government of Cyprus Department of Statistics and Research.

36. The office of the Resident Coordinator has been in contact with the Government of Cyprus and Cypriot non-governmental organizations with regard to the forthcoming World Conference on Women to be held in Beijing in September 1995, and has offered to fund the participation of 10 women from Cyprus, including four to be funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

37. UNDP undertook a cost-sharing project totalling $72,000 with the Cyprus Development Bank providing 50 per cent of the total funding for support to private sector initiatives regarding future capital investment in the Eastern Mediterranean countries, including the Palestinian Authority.

38. On behalf of UNFPA, the Resident Coordinator assisted in the completion of a project on family relations and the rights of women. The cost of the project was $10,000. The United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), utilizing the offices of the Resident Coordinator, provided equipment worth $50,000 to the forensic laboratory of the Government of Cyprus to assist in drug control. The Resident Coordinator, acting on behalf of IMO, signed an agreement for a special funds-in-trust project for a feasibility study for establishment of maritime training facilities in Cyprus. The total cost of the project is $40,500. The Resident Coordinator submitted two projects to the Government of Cyprus for signature, including an IAEA regional technical cooperation project on the study of energy options using IAEA planning methodologies, and a UNDP regional statistical project to provide support for the development of social statistics.

39. The Resident Coordinator, in a coordinated effort with the Department of Humanitarian Affairs of the Secretariat, undertook an effort to meet the needs of the Government of Cyprus and monitored the situation with regard to an earthquake in Cyprus on 23 February 1995.

40. The office of the Resident Coordinator administered 30 United Nations fellowships for training purposes for Cypriot nationals totalling $80,500 on a pro forma basis. In addition, UNDP provided administrative support for six United Nations workshops held in Cyprus during the first half of 1995.

 

B. Activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

41. UNHCR, in its role as coordinator of humanitarian assistance in Cyprus since 1974, continues to implement a 100 per cent bi-communal humanitarian programme, including some development components planned and carried out by bi-communal teams composed of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in the areas of sewerage and restoration of architecturally interesting buildings in Nicosia on both sides of the buffer zone; in the health sector, specifically in rehabilitation, physiotherapy, emergency medical care, the elderly, neurology and genetics, cardiology, kidney/bone marrow transplantation, medical laboratory sciences, immunology, thalassaemia, substance abuse, and mental health; and in forestry, pest control, the environment, water resources, architecture, civil engineering and education, with activities on both sides of the buffer zone.

42. In these endeavours, UNHCR cooperates very closely with UNDP, for example, several UNHCR projects with development components are based on studies made by UNDP experts; the comments of WHO experts have been useful to UNHCR in dealing with a complex sewerage system where one of the main treatment plants serving the whole of Nicosia is in a military area in the northern part of the island, and the UNDP Resident Representative and his relevant staff attend some meetings of the UNHCR bi-communal teams related to UNDP interests.

43. UNHCR works very closely with the humanitarian branch of UNFICYP as UNHCR provides logistical support to the Greek Cypriots in the northern part of the island and in the movement of persons needing special attention from the Turkish Cypriot community to the south. UNHCR-funded Red Cross personnel in the Turkish Cypriot community assist in the operation of the exchange point designed to facilitate routine services between the two communities.

44. The operation of UNHCR's 24 areas of bi-communal cooperation, networked into five groups, has been tested during this reporting period. Networked on a geographical basis, in the sewerage, Chrysaliniotissa and Arab Ahmet projects (part of UNDP's master plan), an amount of some $1,638,000 was spent in the last six months; during the same period, some $1,670,000 was used for the health areas; some $607,000 for forestry, pest control, water resources and the environment; and some $246,000 for education. The United States Agency for International Development grants UNHCR $10 million annually exclusively for these bi-communal projects.

45. Bi-communal activities include country-wide research and feasibility studies, local and international training courses and seminars, exchange of expertise between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, collaboration in use of state-of-the-art equipment, joint team planning, implementation and evaluation of projects, spontaneous sharing of resources as the need arises and informal social events.

46. By the beginning of 1995, there were some 913 Greek Cypriots and 450 Turkish Cypriots consistently involved in UNHCR's humanitarian programme in Cyprus. Out of this total of 1,364 Cypriots, 151 (91 Greek Cypriots and 60 Turkish Cypriots) were classified as performing leadership roles in terms of planning, implementing and evaluating the programme. Of these, 109 are men and 42 are women. A further gender analysis of this figure shows that of the 109 men, 67 are Greek Cypriots and 42 are Turkish Cypriots; of the 42 women, 24 are Greek Cypriot and 18 are Turkish Cypriot.

 

V. COMMITTEE ON MISSING PERSONS

47. During the period under review, the Committee on Missing Persons did not hold any formal meetings. However, bilateral meetings of the Third Member of the Committee and his assistants with both sides continued to take place on a regular basis in an effort to bridge existing differences over criteria for the conclusion of investigations. At the end of March 1995, the Third Member submitted a report on this question to me, together with proposals put forward by each side. Having studied the report of the Third Member and the respective proposals, I wrote to the two leaders on 17 May 1995 putting forward compromise proposals of my own, which, I believe, should constitute the criteria for concluding investigations. I asked both leaders to respond favourably to my proposals, indicating that, in light of their replies, I would decide on whether the continued support of the United Nations for the Committee was justified. A positive reply from Mr. Denktash has been received. The response of the Greek Cypriot side is awaited.

 

VI. GOOD OFFICES MISSION

48. Since my last report to the Security Council (S/1994/1407), my Special Representative, Mr. Joe Clark, as well as my Deputy Special Representative, Mr. Gustave Feissel, have continued contacts with the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus and with the Governments of Greece and Turkey with a view to finding a basis for a resumption of direct talks. Those efforts are ongoing. I will provide a full report to the Security Council at the earliest appropriate moment.

 

VII. OBSERVATIONS

49. During the past six months, UNFICYP has continued to carry out its functions in Cyprus effectively, with a reasonable degree of cooperation from both sides, and the situation has remained generally calm.

50. Once again, however, I must point out that this continuing quiet should not obscure the fact that there is merely a cease-fire in Cyprus, not peace. The Security Council has repeatedly declared that the status quo is not an acceptable option. It holds dangers that do not diminish with the passage of time. In the absence of progress towards an agreed overall settlement, the situation remains subject to sudden tensions, generated by events outside the island as well as within Cyprus. Relations between Greece and Turkey continue to be particularly important in this connection.

51. I must also stress again that the excessive levels of armaments and forces in Cyprus and the rate at which they are being strengthened are a cause for serious concern. The Security Council's call to all concerned to commit themselves to a significant reduction in the number of foreign troops and in defence spending in the Republic of Cyprus has not been heeded. Nor has it been possible so far to make progress even on modest measures, repeatedly called for by the Council, aimed at reducing confrontation between the two sides along the cease-fire lines.

52. In the prevailing circumstances, I believe that UNFICYP's presence on the island remains indispensable to achieving the objectives set by the Security Council. Therefore, I recommend that the Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further six-month period until 31 December 1995. In accordance with established practice, I am consulting the parties concerned on the matter and shall report to the Council as soon as those consultations have been completed.

53. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Governments contributing troops and civilian police to UNFICYP for the steadfast support they have given to this peace-keeping operation of the United Nations. I also wish to thank the Governments that have made voluntary contributions towards the financing of the Force.

54. In conclusion, I wish to pay tribute to my Special Representative, Mr. Joe Clark, to my Deputy Special Representative, Mr. Gustave Feissel, to the Force Commander, Brigadier-General Ahti Vartiainen, and to the military and civilian personnel of UNFICYP. They have discharged with efficiency and dedication the important responsibilities entrusted to them by the Security Council.

 

Notes

1/ See Official Records of the Security Council, Thirty-fifth Year, Supplement for October, November and December 1980, document S/14275, para. 7.

2/ See Official Records of the Security Council, Thirty-eighth Year, Supplement for April, May and June 1983, document S/15812, para. 14.

3/ See Official Records of the Security Council, Fortieth Year, Supplement for October, November and December 1985, document S/17657, para. 19.

4/ See Official Records of the Security Council, Forty-second Year, Supplement for April, May and June 1987, document S/18880.

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