ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Resolution 238 of the United Nations Security Council

United Nations Security Council Resolution 238 was adopted unanimously on June 19, 1967. Following previous resolutions on this matter, the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for an additional six months, ending on December 26, 1967. This decision aimed to maintain stability and peace in the region while also calling upon all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint.

The resolution reaffirmed previous resolutions on the topic, including those related to the Cyprus dispute, which had been a point of contention between Greece and Turkey since the end of British colonial rule in 1960. The Council's decision was seen as an attempt to alleviate tensions and promote cooperation among the parties involved. By extending the stay of UN Peacekeepers in Cyprus for another six months, the Council hoped to create an environment conducive to negotiations and a peaceful resolution.

The resolution also emphasized the importance of full cooperation between the peacekeeping force and all sides directly concerned with the conflict. This call for restraint was seen as crucial in preventing further escalation of violence and promoting a lasting solution to the dispute. The unanimous approval of Resolution 238 by the Security Council underscored its commitment to finding a peaceful and just resolution to the Cyprus issue.

In light of this resolution, it is essential to consider the historical background that led to its adoption. The partition of Cyprus had been a contentious issue since the end of British colonial rule in 1960, with Greece and Turkey competing for influence on the island. The United Nations' involvement in resolving the dispute was seen as a crucial step towards finding a peaceful solution.

The resolution's impact can be seen in the events that unfolded following its adoption. In June 1967, tensions between Greece and Turkey continued to escalate, but the extension of UN Peacekeepers' stay on Cyprus helped maintain stability in the region. The resolution served as a reminder of the importance of cooperation and restraint in resolving conflicts, particularly those with deep historical roots like the Cyprus dispute.

References:
Text of the Resolution at undocs.org
Resolution 238 On fr.wikisource.org
Resolution 238 On en.wikisource.org