S/PV.1154 Security Council

In accordance with the Council’s earlier decision, 1 now invite the representatives of Cyprus, Turkey and Greece to take places at the Council table. Sur (Turquie), S. Bitsios A t the invitation of the President, Mr. Orhan Bralp (Turkey), Mr. Spyros Kyprianou (Cyprus) and Mr. Dimitri S. Bitsios (Greece) took places at the Counoil table.

For nearly nine months, the Security Council has been actively seized of the question of Cyprus. The complexity of this qUeStiOn has been clearly demonstrated, as well as the many fields where the parties ooncerned may corne into direct positions of confrontation. During these months, the United Nations has been engaged in a difficult and extensive peace-keeping operation, and SO far, I am sorry to say, no final peaceful solution to the problem is in sight. Indeed, the situation has been marked by continuous tension which from time to time has erupted into an acute crisis threatening to go beyond the local borders of the conflict. The extent and thedepth of the conflict have been emphasized not only by the poisoning of relations between two population groups and 2. Depuis s’occupe complexite de lesquels positions molss maintien jusqu’g n’avons au problème marquée donne deborder 3. Aggressive acts and the use of arms cari only increase the danger of an escalation of the conflict and reduce the possibilities of an equitable solution. It is of the utmost importance, we believe, that the parties realize that any escalation is detrimental not only to their own interests but also to international peace ancl security. It remains the view of the Norwegian delegation that the basis for a solution of the conflict cari be found only through negotiations, mediation and cooperation from the parties concerned. Some means of coexistence between the population groups in Cyprus must be found and the good-neighbourly relations between Greece and Turkey must be restored. The achievement of these goals is difficult enough today, as the situation has developed, but Will become even more difficult, or downright impossible, after anopen military conflict. 4. It may serve little purpose to discuss what is right and wrong in connexion with the measures taken by the Cyprus Government. However, military steps by one community against the other is no proper means to solve the conflict. Such steps cari only serve to create a harsher political climate and render more difficult a subsequent peaceful coexistence between the population groups. On the basis of these oonsiderations Norway supported the appeal from the Security Council to the Government of Cyprus of 9 August 1964 [S/5868],11 to order the armed forces under its control to cesse fire immediately. 5. Regardless of treaties and rights inherent in them, it is further argued that the use of military means from the outside cari only lead to the deterioration of the situation, Norway therefore also supported the part of the appeal of 9 August, consisting of a request to the Government of Turkey to cesse instantly the bombardment and the use of military force of any kind against Cyprus. 6. Furthermore, we find it obvious that obstruction or denial of vital supplies to part of the population in Cyprus, apart from the humanitarian aspect of such steps, cari do nothing but contribute to maintaining the tensions on the island. We therefore welcome the fact that the restrictions on essential supplies have recently been lifted by the Government of Cyprus as an important step toward the lessening of tension. ‘7. Unfortunately, the rotation of military forces stationed in Cyprus has also become part of the situation of conflict. Also in this case, we hold that a solution must be found through negotiation. Unilateral measures cari in our view only lead to military reply 9 Sec Officia1 Records of the Security Council, Nineteenth Year, Supplement for July, August and September 1964. l'on de mettre de Turquie. 9. The Security Council in its resolutions has called 9. upon a11 States to refrain from any action or threat invite of action which could aggravate the situation in de toute menace Cyprus or threaten international peace. This serious a Chypre cal1 has been issued in recognition of the dangers to Si cet appel solennel international peace and security involved in this connu conflict, as well as in recognition of the fact that the s6curitb fundamental differences cannot be solved by peacefùl fait means as long as the parties are engaged in actions être which are conducive to a further poisoning of the parties atmosphere. encore 10. We have been witnessing a chain reaction of events where it may be difficult to distinguish between eause and effect, between action and reaction, between provocation and retaliation. At the same time wecannot ignore that this to some extent is related to a situation where the Government of Cyprus during the last nine months has in fact-and 1 repeat, in fact-administered and governed only one of the two communities in the island. The report by the Secretary-General [S/5950 and Add.1 and 2]2/ describes this situation in various fields, such as in the administration of justice and social affairs. Against this background we find it proper to stress the hope and desire that the Government of Cyprus Will do its utmost to create conditions SO that a w’ay cari be found out of the vicious circle by means of mediation and negotiation. Recent steps taken by the Government of Cyprus are encouraging signs that our hopes and desires may be realized. 10. sont d&roul& et il est cause et l’effet, et la riposte. oublier mesure que, au cours ment r6alit.6 communaut& g6neral dans la justice nous l’espoir fera telles par reoemment sont que nos espoirs r&aliser. 11. dont le Conseil tient indications et franches taire vives 11. In regard to the report by the Secretary-General now before the Council, my delegation would like to express its most sincere appreciationfor the comprehensive documentation as well as for the well-founded and frank conclusions contained in the report. The Secretary-General and his staff in our view deserve the highest commendation. 12. r&&ée sation. Unies domaines important tout particulihrement sants difficiles. malgr& 12. The United Nations operation in Cyprus has proved a formidable task for our Organization. The Secretary-General, the UNFICYP and the Mediator, a11 in their respective spheres, have played important parts in this respect, We find it particularly appropriate to point to the ceaseless efforts Of UNFICYP under difficult oircumstances. The forces have accomplished results in spite of the limitations contained in the mandate from this Council. The countries that have made troops and financial means 1/ Ibid. 13. The Secretary-General in his report describes the conditions in Cyprus today as far from good, and indeed, very unsatisfactory, when viewed from the perspective of the hopes for Cyprus which motivated the Security Council’s resolution of 4 March 1964 [S/5575]a Speaking of the working conditions of UNFICYP the Secretary-General uses the following strong words : “The plain fact, therefore, is that the United Nations Force in Cyprus is in the most delicate position that any United Nations mission has ever experienced III . ” [S/5950 para. 221.1 14. The Secretary-General has indicated certain points that, if implemented, would improve the position of UNFICYP and prevent a recurrence of fighting. These points include freedom of movement and the removal of positions and installations that endanger peace. We subscribe to these points, and we have noted with satisfaction that the Government of Cyprus does also. At the same time we find it appropriate to mention that these aims should be reached without the Force going beyond the right of self-defence if attacked. 15. Finally, there is, as mentioned by thesecretary- General in his report, the need for buffer zones between the opposing armed forces. My delegation believes that if such zones were established, the situation in the field would be greatly improved. It would serve to enhance the possibilities of reaching the aims contained in the mandate of the United Nations Force. Furthermore, it would give real meaning to the extension of the Force for another three-month period. My delegation supports the continuation of UNFICYP and believes that the conditions of operations should be improved as suggested by the Secretary-General. 16. As to the financing of the operation in Cyprus, it is important-or, to put it correctly, indispensablethat the appeal to Members for additional support be heeded. My Government has till now oontributedfinancially to this operation. If UNFICYP is extended for another three-month period, my Government Will recognize its responsibility and continue to contribute. 3/ (bld., Nineteenrb Year, Supplement for January, February and March 1964. 18. What cari the Security Council do at the present stage of this tragic conflict with which the Security Council is seized? In the view of the Norwegian delegation, a constructive contribution would be to impress upon a11 the parties directly concerned the necessity of a de facto political cesse-fire. de la delégation norvegienne, on pourrait contribuer positivement Zl la solution du problème en convainquant n&cessit& d’un cessez-le-feu politique de facto, des nouvelles reçues aujourd’hui au sujet de la d6cision du Gouvernement turc & l%gard des ressortissants qu’une suite sera donn6e à la declaration duprésident Makarios avec le concours des Nations Unies, Nous pr&sumons que le Conseil de &curit& sera dament tenu au courant des faits nouveaux qui interviendront a cet Egard. Mais il ne faudrait pas ssexag6rer l’importance l’envisage. est limité aussi doit-il être suivi aussi rapidement que possible d’un règlement politique durable de la question. 19. The recent declaration by President Makarios [S/5950/Add.2, Annex] is certainly welcome and important in this respect, and SO are the reports today about the decision of the Government of Turkey in regard to the Greek nationals living in Turkey. We look forward to the implementation of the declaratien by President Makarios in co-operation with the United Nations, We assume that the Security Council Will be kept informed as appropriate as to the further developments in this regard. However, the importance of a political cesse-fire, as 1 suggested, should not be exaggerated. A cesse-fire is in itself limited, both in scope and in duration, and must be followed as quickly as possible by a lasting political settlement of the question. 20. aux parties pour qu’elles mettent pleinement a profit le climat actuel, qui semble s’étre un peu amelior6, et exploitent à fond le talent et l’intégrit6 du nouveau médiateur en vue de parvenir aun règlement politique. 20. My delegation therefore addresses an urgent request to the parties to utilize fully the present atmosphere, which appears to be somewhat improved, and to make full use of the ski11 and integrity of the newly-appointed Mediator in order to reach such a political settlement. 21. As stated, we support the extension of UNFICYP for another three months, but we do not regard that as a political goal in itself. The major value lies in 21, Comme nous l’avons d6ja indiqué, nous sommes partisans de la prorogation du mandat de la Force pour une nouvelle periode de trois mois, mais nous ne considérons pas cette mesure comme un objectif politique la Force puisse contribuer à cr8er un climat propice a un réglement parties, sation, coop&eront conforme aux obligations que leur impose la Charte des Nations Unies. the contribution the Force cari make to create a propitious atmosphere for a negotiated settlement. We hope and expect that the parties, as Member States of the United Nations, Will co-operate to reach such a settlement, in conformity with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations. 22. M. Je voudrais formuler quelques brèves observations sur le rapport du Secretaire g6neral dont le Conseil est saisi [S/5950 et Add.1 et 21. Je crois que c’est un rapport qui mérite les plus grands Eloges. Il traite de tous les aspects de la situation B. Chypre avec concision et impartialit6. probl&mes complexes devant lesquels les Nations Unies se sont trouvees.

1 should like to address a few brief observations on the report of the Secretary-General [S/5950 and Add.1 and 21 which is before the Council. 1 think it is acommendable report, It deals with a11 the aspects of the Cyprus situation in a concise and impartial manner. Itpresents a clear picture of the complex problems with which the United Nations has been faced. 23. Ma d618gation voudrait saisir cette occasion pour rendre hommage auxrepresentants du Sec&taire g8n6ral a Chypre pour le tact et la comp6tence avec lesquels ils se sont acquittés de leur delicate mission, ainsi qu’aux membres de la Force chargée du maintien de la paix pour la façon exemplaire dont ils ont execute leur tache difficile, 23. My delegation wishes to take this occasion topay tribute to the Secretary-General’s representatives in Cyprus for the tact and ski11 with which they have carried out their delicate mission and to the members of the United Nations peace-keeping force for the exemplary manner in which they have performed their difficult tasks. 24. The Secretary-General has highlighted a number Of problems and has indicated the lines of possible 24. Le Secretaire certain nombre de problémes et indiqu& les grandes 25. In our opinion, the present situation, though still unstable and fraught with dangerous possibilities, does provide some ground for cautious optimism. We are convinced that, while espousing seemingly irreconcilable positions, the parties concerned do not really intend to push matters to the point of no return or to plunge the Eastern Mediterranean area into the horrors of war, in which there cari be no victors. 26. It is our firm belief that, sooner or later, reasons must prevail over passion, conflict must yield ils place to peaoe. Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, with their ancient oultures and traditional bonds of friendship, cari be expected in time to collaborate in bringing about stability and prosperity to their common region. Thepresent situation calls for the creation of a climate favourable for a peaceful settlement in accordance with the principles of the Charter. For this reason, my delegation supports the Secretary- General’s proposal for extending the United Nations operation in Cyprus for an additional three months’ period. We are pleased to note that this proposa1 has met with agreement from a11 the parties concerned. 27. Before closing, let me join the other delegations in expressing our sorrow at the passing of Mr. Tuomioja. His distinguished services will always be rememhered. It is, however, gratifying to learn that the work he left unfinished Will be carried on by Mr. Galo Plaza, the former President of Ecuador, who has just been designated Mediator in Cyprus. We wish him every success in the discharge of the arduous duties that lie ahead. The meeting rose at 23.5 p.m.