The first draft of the Security Council Resolution for the renewal of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) encourages the UN Secretary General “to appoint a permanent Special Advisor in the near future.” The first draft of the resolution will be voted on by the Council on July 30.

The mandate, presented by the UK, calls for the continuation of the peace force on Cyprus for another six months and welcomes the Joint Declaration adopted by the parties on February 11, 2014, that includes an agreed set of principles and parameters for a united Cyprus. It expresses its satisfaction for the ongoing efforts of leaders and negotiators to reach a comprehensive settlement as soon as possible and encourages the sides to intensify negotiations on core issues, stressing that the status quo is unsustainable.

There is also a reference to the UNFICYP’s mission in facilitating recommencement of demining operations and the clearance of remaining minefields.