S/1998/488
10 June 1998
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE
UNITED NATIONS OPERATION IN CYPRUS
I. INTRODUCTION
1. The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus
covers developments from 8 December 1997 to 8 June 1998 and brings up to date
the record of the activities of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
(UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) of 4 March 1964 and
subsequent Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1146 (1997) of 23
December 1997, in which the Council decided to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for
a further period ending on 30 June 1998. I will report to the Council separately
on my mission of good offices.
II. ACTIVITIES OF THE FORCE
A. Maintenance of the ceasefire and the military status quo
2. During the period under review, the situation along the
ceasefire lines remained calm. Although both sides generally respected the
ceasefire and the military status quo, there were frequent minor incidents. Both
sides continued to dispute the delineation of their respective ceasefire lines
in a number of areas within the United Nations buffer zone, often challenging
the authority of UNFICYP. At times, this created friction between UNFICYP and
the opposing forces as they moved forward into the buffer zone or overmanned
their ceasefire lines in the disputed areas. As in the previous reporting
period, both sides ignored UNFICYP protests of the more serious violations of
the military status quo by continuing military construction along and in close
proximity to the ceasefire lines.
3. There were a number of shooting incidents, which in most
cases were heard, but not observed, by UNFICYP. Following investigations, both
sides usually denied any knowledge of the incidents. On 13 March and 5 April
1998, each side accused the other of firing. At the request of the side claiming
to have received the initial fire, investigations were carried out and rifle
rounds recovered. Nevertheless, UNFICYP was unable to obtain sufficient evidence
to determine who had fired owing, inter alia, to the unwillingness of
both sides to give timely access to the sector of the ceasefire line from which
the shots were said to have originated or to answer questions. All shooting
incidents were protested by UNFICYP.
4. Both sides continued major military construction works. These
include anti-tank ditches and other defensive fortifications east and south-east
of Nicosia, and a network of bunkers with connecting trenches to the west of the
Old City of Nicosia. Such military construction tends to increase tension along
the ceasefire lines. However, despite strong protests by UNFICYP, it continued.
5. There were a number of overflights as follows during the
period under review. On 12 January 1998, a Turkish F-4 Phantom fighter aircraft
overflew the buffer zone near Pyla. UNFICYP strongly protested this incident to
Turkish forces headquarters. On 30 April, UNFICYP observed two Turkish Air Force
RF-4 Phantoms conducting a live firing ground attack exercise onto a range area
six kilometres north of Avlona. On several occasions, helicopters from both
sides overflew parts of the buffer zone. In one incident, a Cyprus police
helicopter landed at Athienou, despite denial by UNFICYP of a request for it to
enter the buffer zone.
6. Both sides continued to upgrade their military capabilities.
It is estimated that there are over 30,000 Turkish forces and some 4,500 Turkish
Cypriot troops on the island. The Turkish forces continued to modernize their
equipment by replacing M48A5T1 tanks with M48A5T2 tanks.
7. The National Guard's strength is approximately 14,500. During
the period under review, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus reconfirmed
its plan to deploy S-300 surface-to-air missiles unless there was progress in
negotiations towards an overall settlement or towards the demilitarization of
the island. This continued to be criticized by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot
authorities. The military airbase in Paphos has been declared operational,
although it has not yet come into use. The establishment of this airbase has
also been strongly protested by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot authorities.
8. In spite of the Security Council's call in resolution 1146
(1997) for an early agreement to and rapid implementation of the UNFICYP package
of measures to reduce tension along the ceasefire lines, no agreement has been
reached on the matter. The military authorities in the north have reconfirmed
their earlier acceptance of the UNFICYP package of measures in its entirety. The
National Guard has accepted the code of conduct and the prohibition of loaded
weapons, but has continued to reject UNFICYP proposals for the unmanning of
positions in close proximity to each other on the grounds that it would leave
the inhabitants of Nicosia unprotected. The National Guard has made
counter-proposals, which, in the view of UNFICYP, would not contribute to the
key objective of creating distance between the soldiers deployed on each side of
the buffer zone. With regard to the Dherinia area, the National Guard's
counter-proposal would entail the unmanning of the entire area between Dherinia
and Varosha and would go well beyond the limited objective of creating distance
between the opposing forces. UNFICYP will continue its efforts to gain
acceptance by both sides of the UNFICYP package of measures presented in June
1997.
9. UNFICYP continued to carry out regular inspections of the
facilities and park at Roccas Bastion in Nicosia. The situation has remained
unchanged, and there was no indication that the area was being used for military
purposes.
10. UNFICYP continued to monitor maintenance of the status quo
in the fenced area of Varosha. There were numerous instances of property being
removed from buildings by Turkish personnel, which UNFICYP protested to the
Turkish forces.
11. UNFICYP freedom of movement in the northern part of the
island continued to be restricted, and the Force remained subject to stricter
limitations than those imposed on tourists and foreign diplomats. During the
period under review, the National Guard restricted movement by UNFICYP
humanitarian personnel at the Potamia checkpoint on several occasions.
12. There are 38 minefields and booby-trapped areas inside the
buffer zone and a further 73 located within 500 metres of it. UNFICYP has again
requested both sides for precise information before presenting proposals for the
removal of the minefields located within the buffer zone. The National Guard has
stated its readiness to hand over minefield records provided that the other side
does the same. The military authorities in the north indicated that they would
be ready to negotiate the minefield issue with UNFICYP immediately following
agreement on the UNFICYP package of measures to reduce tension along the
ceasefire lines. UNFICYP will continue to seek information about minefields from
both sides. The danger inherent in the present situation was highlighted on 12
January 1998, when an excavator being operated by two United Nations personnel
working on the Lefka road in the buffer zone detonated an anti-tank mine.
Fortunately, both escaped without injuries, but the road has been closed to all
UNFICYP traffic for safety reasons.
13. Greek Cypriot hunters frequently entered the buffer zone
during the hunting season. On 14 December 1997, southwest of Lefka, a shotgun
was negligently discharged in the direction of a member of UNFICYP civilian
police, and on 28 December 1997, in the area of Dhenia, several shots were fired
over the heads of an UNFICYP patrol. These incidents were protested to the
appropriate authorities.
B. Restoration of normal conditions and humanitarian functions
14. On 26 December 1997, the Turkish Cypriot authorities
announced that they were re-evaluating bi-communal contacts in the context of
the situation that had arisen as a result of the summit meeting of the European
Union in Luxembourg, and that, as of 27 December, all bi-communal activities
would be suspended. Despite repeated requests, the Turkish Cypriot authorities
have continued to prevent Turkish Cypriot participation in bi-communal meetings
on the island.
15. The Turkish Cypriot side repeatedly complained that an
all-encompassing embargo was continuing against Northern Cyprus, which has been
imposed by the Greek Cypriot authorities since 1963. This embargo covers all
spheres of life, including international relations, travel, trade, tourism and
the economy in general, as well as sports and cultural and social activities.
The Turkish Cypriot authorities protested that this leads to the isolation of
the Turkish Cypriot community from the rest of the world and creates distrust
and a crisis of confidence between the two sides on the island. They claim that
while this embargo continues, the superficial attempt to bring together members
of the two sides serves no useful purpose, and that the creation of trust and
confidence depends on the removal of these measures.
16. A number of Greek Cypriot and Greek civilians were
apprehended in the northern part of Cyprus after crossing the buffer zone and
were detained by the Turkish Cypriot authorities. In each case, UNFICYP
humanitarian and medical personnel visited the detainees and arranged for family
visits in the place of their detention. All of them were subsequently released.
In some instances, efforts are continuing for the release of their belongings
held in the northern part of Cyprus. Four Turkish Cypriots and four Turkish
citizens are being held in the custody of the Cypriot police. Two of them, who
were arrested on 23 October 1997 south of the National Guard ceasefire line near
Louroujina, were eventually charged with livestock and arms smuggling. After
frequent adjournments, their trial ended on 11 April. On 25 May, 7 months after
their arrest, they were sentenced to one year in prison. UNFICYP maintains that
whenever civilians cross the other side's ceasefire line in a non-belligerent
manner, they and their belongings should be returned without delay.
17. On 21 December 1997, UNFICYP arranged for 193 Greek Cypriots
to visit the Apostolos Andreas Monastery on the Karpas Peninsula. On 31 January
1998, 1,285 Turkish Cypriots visited the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca,
and 1,314 visited it on 9 April 1998. On 7 and 14 March 1998, 94 Turkish Cypriot
students were permitted access to the Kokkina enclave by land to mark
anniversaries there. The Greek Cypriot pilgrimage to Apostolos Andreas Monastery
scheduled for 19 April 1998 was cancelled owing to the imposition of the new
charges mentioned in paragraph 21 below.
18. An expanded and automated telephone connection between the
northern and southern parts of Cyprus was inaugurated on 4 May at the Ledra
Palace Hotel. Since 1974, the United Nations had provided the only telephone
connection between the northern and southern part of Cyprus. The existing
operator-assisted telephone connections had, for some time, been insufficient
for the growing demand from both sides, which had resulted in delays and
inconvenience to users. The upgraded service will significantly increase the
handling capacity, thus eliminating the delays that users had frequently
experienced.
19. Demonstrations by Greek Cypriots at the South Ledra
checkpoint continued, mainly on weekends, with the aim of dissuading tourists
from crossing to the north. In some instances, organized groups of
schoolchildren in uniform participated in demonstrations.
20. UNFICYP continued to carry out humanitarian tasks in respect
of Greek Cypriots and Maronites in the northern part of the island and Turkish
Cypriots in the southern part. There are now 460 Greek Cypriots in the Karpas
area, two in Kyrenia and 173 Maronites in the Kormakiti area. Some 340 Turkish
Cypriots in the southern part of the island have made themselves known to
UNFICYP. The living conditions of Greek Cypriots and Maronites residing in the
north have gradually improved over the past three years. Since the humanitarian
review conducted by UNFICYP in 1995 (see S/1995/1020, paras. 20-25 and annexes),
a number of incremental improvements have occurred that have been reported to
the Council in previous reports. During the current reporting period, the
Turkish Cypriot authorities lifted most age restrictions for Greek Cypriot and
Maronite children visiting their families in the north, although the age limit
of 16 remains in force for Greek Cypriot boys. Two new telephone lines were
installed in Leonarisso recently.
21. However, in mid-February, the Turkish Cypriot side imposed
new regulations and fees for entry to and exit from the north. Greek Cypriots
and Maronites from the southern part of Cyprus visiting relatives residing in
the northern part must pay a fee of 15 pounds sterling per adult per visit. All
residents in the northern part, Greek Cypriots, Maronites, nationals of other
countries and Turkish Cypriots, travelling to the southern part have to pay a 4
transit charge, or 10 per month for multiple visits. These new charges have
significantly reduced the number of Greek Cypriots and Maronites visiting their
relatives in the northern part of Cyprus. Effective 17 April 1998 , these
regulations were adjusted with respect to Maronites, who were granted a
reduction of the charges to 4 per visit per adult or 30 per year for multiple
visits for the entire family. The charges for Greek Cypriots remain unchanged.
22. Although the standard of living of Greek Cypriots on the
Karpas Peninsula does not differ significantly from that of Turkish Cypriots
living in the same area, the major restriction remains that Greek Cypriots and
Maronites cannot bequeath their property, even to their next of kin, unless
their heirs also live in the northern part of the island. Otherwise, immovable
property is expropriated by the Turkish Cypriot authorities when the owner dies.
23. In accordance with the agreement reached by the leaders of
the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on 31 July 1997 (see
S/1997/962, para. 21), on 23 January 1998, in the presence of my Deputy Special
Representative, the two sides met to exchange information concerning the
location of graves of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot missing persons. They
also agreed to meet again to discuss the preparation of arrangements leading to
the return of the remains of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot missing persons.
In a further meeting on 30 April, however, the Turkish Cypriot representative
stated that he was not prepared to discuss the necessary arrangements leading to
the exhumation and return of the remains of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot
missing persons until the Greek Cypriot side, as proof of its sincerity, agreed
to first look into the fate of the Greek Cypriot victims of the coup d'ιtat
against Archbishop Makarios in 1974. The Turkish Cypriot side claims that
victims of the coup d'ιtat are among those persons listed as
missing. This position deviates from the 31 July 1997 agreement, which calls on
the two sides to work out arrangements for the exhumation and identification of
the remains located in the graves on which information was exchanged on 23
January 1998. As a result of the position taken by the Turkish Cypriot side, no
progress has been made towards the implementation of the 31 July 1997 agreement.
The Greek Cypriot side has since decided to begin exhumation and identification
of the remains located in graves in the area under its control.
III. COMMITTEE ON MISSING PERSONS
24. In accordance with the terms of reference of the Committee
on Missing Persons, upon the recommendation of the International Committee of
the Red Cross, and following consultations with both sides, I am appointing Mr.
Jean-Pierre Ritter as the new third member of the Committee on Missing Persons
for an 18-month period. I urge both sides to accord him their full cooperation
with a view to discharging the Committee's responsibilities expeditiously.
IV. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM
25. UNFICYP continued to act as the intermediary between the two
communities to facilitate cooperation in such areas as the equitable
distribution of water and electricity. Owing to poor rainfall and saline
contamination, water supplies on the island continue to diminish. Wherever
possible, UNFICYP encourages civilian use of the buffer zone for peaceful
purposes, such as industrial or agricultural work or maintenance of public
utilities and communications.
26. In March 1998, the United Nations Development Programme and
the United States Agency for International Development reached an agreement for
the United Nations Office for Project Services to take over functions carried
out by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees until
December 1997. Focusing on reconstruction and development, this programme will
continue to give priority to bi-communal activities in public health,
environment, sanitation, water, urban renovation, restoration and preservation
of cultural heritage, education and natural resources. It will also provide
financial and technical support to selected civil society organizations and
non-government organizations.
V. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
27. As of 30 April 1998, UNFICYP comprised 1,226 troops and 34
civilian police. The military personnel are from Argentina (410), Austria (259),
Canada (3), Finland (1), Hungary (107), Ireland (29), Slovenia (10), and the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (407). On 24 May 1998, the
Netherlands and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland began
deployment of a company of 97 Netherlands personnel integrated within the
British contingent of UNFICYP without increasing the overall strength of the
unit. The civilian police are provided by Australia (20) and Ireland (14). In
addition, UNFICYP currently has a civilian component of 44 international staff
and 288 local staff. The number of local staff will be reduced to 221 by 1 July
1998.
28. Mr. Diego Cordovez remained my Special Adviser on Cyprus.
Mr. Gustave Feissel continued as my Deputy Special Representative and Chief of
Mission of the United Nations operation in Cyprus. He will relinquish his post
on 30 June 1998, and the Security Council has agreed to the appointment of Ms.
Ann Hercus to succeed him (see S/1998/388 and S/1998/389). Major-General
Evergisto A. de Vergara continued as Force Commander.
VI. FINANCIAL ASPECTS
29. The proposed budget for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the
period from 1 July 1998 to 30 June 1999 is currently under consideration by the
General Assembly. The cost of maintaining the Force for the 12-month period is
estimated at $43,000,900 gross (A/52/775/Add.1). That amount is inclusive of the
pledged voluntary contributions of one third of the cost of the Force from the
Government of Cyprus and of the $6.5 million contributed annually by the
Government of Greece. Therefore, should the Security Council decide to extend
the mandate of UNFICYP beyond 30 June 1998, the annual cost of maintaining the
Force would be limited to the amount indicated above.
30. As of 30 April 1998, the total outstanding assessed
contributions to the UNFICYP Special Account amounted to $15.6 million,
representing some 13.5 per cent of the assessment for the Mission since 16 June
1993. The outstanding assessed contributions for all peacekeeping operations
amounted to $1.5 billion.
VII. OBSERVATIONS
31. During the last six months, the situation along the
ceasefire lines in Cyprus was relatively calm, despite continued tension. This
found expression in frequent minor violations. Both sides continued to respect
the ceasefire arrangement of 1974. Nevertheless, both sides continued to
challenge the delineation of the ceasefire lines in certain areas and UNFICYP
authority in the buffer zone.
32. The repeated appeals of the Security Council for a reduction
in defence spending and a reduction in the number of foreign military troops
have not been heeded by either side. The military forces and armaments in Cyprus
continued to be expanded, upgraded and modernized on both sides. There has also
been no progress concerning the package of reciprocal measures proposed by
UNFICYP to reduce tension along the ceasefire lines, notwithstanding the
Security Council's calls for early agreement to and rapid implementation of
these measures. UNFICYP will continue its efforts towards that end.
33. It is regrettable that Turkish Cypriots were not allowed to
participate in bi-communal activities sponsored by UNFICYP and others. There is
evident value in direct contacts between the members of the two communities,
especially in times when tensions are relatively high. I urge both sides, and in
particular the Turkish Cypriot side, to facilitate arrangements within which
bi-communal contacts can take place uninterrupted and without formalities.
34. The presence of UNFICYP on the island remains indispensable
to maintain the ceasefire between the two sides, which is a prerequisite for
achieving the settlement of the Cyprus question sought by the international
community. Therefore, I recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate
of the Force for a further period of six months until 31 December 1998. I am
consulting the parties concerned on the matter and shall report to the Council
as soon as these consultations have been completed.
35. 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 peacekeeping operation of the United Nations. I
also wish to thank the Governments that have made voluntary contributions
towards the financing of the Force.
36. In conclusion, I wish to express my warm appreciation to my
Deputy Special Representative and Chief of Mission in Cyprus, Mr. Gustave
Feissel, upon his retirement at the end of June after a long and distinguished
career in the service of the United Nations. I also wish to pay tribute to
Major-General Evergisto A. de Vergara, the Force Commander, and to the men and
women serving with UNFICYP for the efficiency and dedication with which they
have discharged the responsibilities entrusted to them by the Security Council.
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