United Nations Security Council Resolution 1568

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On 22 October 2004, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1568, which reaffirmed all previous resolutions on the situation in Cyprus, particularly resolution 1251 (1999). The council extended the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for an additional period until 15 June 2005.

The security council called upon both Cyprus and Northern Cyprus to urgently address the humanitarian issue of missing persons. It welcomed the Secretary-General Kofi Annan's review of UNFICYP as requested in Resolution 1548 (2004), which assessed that violence on the island was increasingly unlikely. The Secretary-General would conduct a further review of the United Nations operation in Cyprus based on developments on the ground and the views of the parties concerned.

Extending UNFICYP's mandate, the resolution requested the Secretary-General to report to the council on the implementation of the current resolution, further endorsing his amendments to the concept of operations and force level of UNFICYP. The amendments included reducing troop levels and slightly increasing the number of police personnel. It also urged the Turkish Cypriot side to restore the military status quo at Strovilia prior to 30 June 2000.

The council called for an end to restrictions imposed on UNFICYP operations, which had been a point of contention between the two sides. The resolution aimed to maintain stability and security in Cyprus, while also addressing humanitarian concerns related to missing persons.

Background

Resolution 1568 was part of a broader effort by the United Nations to address the ongoing conflict in Cyprus. The island has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded northern Cyprus following a military coup against the government of President Makarios III. A peace process led by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan had been underway for several years, with various proposals and plans put forward.

Impact

The resolution marked an important step in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Cyprus. By extending the mandate of UNFICYP, the council aimed to maintain a presence on the island that could help facilitate dialogue between the two sides. The amendments to the concept of operations and force level also reflected a desire to adapt the peacekeeping mission to changing circumstances.

The resolution's focus on humanitarian issues related to missing persons highlighted the human cost of the conflict in Cyprus. Efforts to address these concerns were seen as an important step towards reconciliation and rebuilding trust