UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for an additional six months.
In a unanimous approval on Resolution 2506, the expiration date of the mandate of UNFICYP was extended from Jan. 31, 2020 to July 31, 2020.
The resolution calls for a reduction of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, and calls upon the leaders of the two Cypriot communities and all involved parties to refrain from any actions and rhetoric that might damage the chances of success.
It welcomes the announcement that 18 suspected hazardous areas across the whole island have now been cleared of mines, and urges both leaders to agree on and continue a plan of work to achieve a mine-free Cyprus.
In 1963, constitutional crises in Cyprus resulted in the outbreak of intercommunal violence. After all attempts to restore peace failed, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution that recommended the establishment of UNFICYP, and it has become one of the longest-running UN peacekeeping missions.
The mission's responsibilities expanded in 1974, following a coup by elements favoring union with Greece and a subsequent military intervention by Turkey, whose troops established control over the northern part of the island.
