UN Chief Guterres to Host Cyprus Summit
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced in a daily briefing in New York that leaders from both the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities will meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Geneva. The discussions will also include officials from Greece, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom, which serve as guarantor states.
Background on the Cyprus Conflict
Cyprus has been divided between north and south since 1974 following years of hostilities. The UN has been actively involved in seeking a resolution, with the Security Council deploying the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in 1964. Due to the absence of a permanent solution, UNFICYP continues to monitor ceasefire lines, maintain a buffer zone, and assist humanitarian operations.
Previous Negotiation Efforts
Secretary-General Guterres previously attempted to mediate peace talks between both sides in 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland. However, those negotiations collapsed. Another effort was made in 2021, though it did not yield a breakthrough. This upcoming meeting is part of the UN’s continued commitment to facilitating dialogue, following previous efforts last October.
“The informal meeting will offer a platform for substantial discussions on the way forward regarding the Cyprus issue,” Dujarric stated. He reiterated the UN’s dedication to supporting all Cypriots in their pursuit of peace.
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Escalation in Southern Lebanon
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported continued hostilities in its area of operations, including sporadic military activity by Israeli forces.
Spread of Military Presence
The Lebanese army has increased its deployment to more than 100 locations in southern Lebanon, particularly between the Litani River and the Blue Line—the demarcation separating Lebanon and Israel. UN peacekeepers continue to support these forces in maintaining stability.
The Threat of Unexploded Ordnance
The ongoing conflict has left southern Lebanon, especially areas near the Blue Line, contaminated with unexploded ordnance, creating severe risks for civilians. UNIFIL demining teams are assisting Lebanese authorities in identifying and neutralizing these dangerous remnants.
“Our peacekeepers have also uncovered unauthorized weapons and ammunition in various locations, and all findings have been reported to the Lebanese Armed Forces,” said Dujarric.
Since October 2024, UNIFIL has discovered and destroyed 44 unexploded ordnances and six improvised explosive devices.
Support for Humanitarian Operations
In addition to maintaining security, UN peacekeepers have assisted in over 60 humanitarian missions, facilitating the return of displaced families to their homes.
Separately, 31 individuals have been arrested in connection with a February 14 attack on a convoy near Beirut airport. Dujarric emphasized the importance of ensuring those responsible face justice, as the attack targeted the then-Deputy Force Commander of UNIFIL and his team.
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IOM Expands Humanitarian Hub in Chad to Support Sudan Crisis
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) have expanded a critical aid hub in Chad. This development will enable humanitarian teams to reach an additional 220,000 people affected by the Sudan crisis.
Worsening Humanitarian Situation
Since April 2023, Sudan’s internal conflict has displaced over 11.5 million people, with an additional 3.5 million refugees fleeing across borders. Among them, approximately 930,000 have sought refuge in Chad.
Growing Needs in the Darfur Region
Nearly nine million people in Sudan’s Darfur region are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
“With the strengthened cross-border operations, IOM has already reached over 82,000 people in Darfur with critical assistance. The expansion of the Farchana hub will allow us to assist an additional 220,000 in the coming months,” explained Pascal Reyntjens, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Chad.
The upgraded hub includes new office spaces, living quarters, and support infrastructure, improving aid workers’ ability to operate in remote areas. These enhancements will also allow NGOs and UN agencies to scale up relief efforts in Darfur, addressing the growing humanitarian crisis.
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