Cyprus Times

France Sees No Major Obstacles to UNFICYP Renewal

Published January 21, 2026, 19:08
France Sees No Major Obstacles to UNFICYP Renewal

A French diplomatic source stated that the renewal of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is important for France and is expected to be achieved without major difficulties. The source noted that UNFICYP provides a non-confrontational environment on the island and that the new political situation, with the newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader appearing more open to a solution and the President of the Republic of Cyprus desiring a resolution, empowers the UN Secretary-General to pursue progress in negotiations. France believes that renewing the mandate will help restart substantive talks between the two communities. According to the Cyprus News Agency, most members of the Security Council confirmed UNFICYP's critical role on the island and expressed satisfaction with the intensification of dialogue. Some member states also emphasized the importance of avoiding unilateral actions that could undermine the peace process. The French source mentioned that Paris is closely monitoring developments in Cyprus and considers the renewal of UNFICYP an opportunity to revitalize political dialogue under the auspices of the UN. France supports a dynamic approach to promoting the resumption of meaningful discussions, taking advantage of the new political circumstances and the willingness to find a solution that appears to exist on both sides.