Group of Facilitators for Cyprus

The Group of Facilitators for Cyprus originated from a Committee created in 1991 to monitor the situation on the divided island. The Committee supported the United Nations Secretary-General’s good offices mission and held twice-yearly hearings involving the political party representatives of the two Cypriot communities (Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot) and the three Guarantor Powers – Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

In 1998, the Committee’s mandate came to an end and the IPU Governing Council replaced it with a three-member Group of Facilitators to continue contacts between the parties concerned.

The Group invites the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus and representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community, on the basis of political equality, to meet during IPU Assemblies to foster dialogue and engagement. Recent discussions have highlighted the hope that peace talks under the auspices of the UN will soon resume, aiming to reach a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with pertinent UN Security Council resolutions and aligned with European values and principles.

The Group’s work forms part of the IPU’s broader commitment to peace and security. It reports directly to the IPU Governing Council.

The Republic of Cyprus became an independent state on 16 August 1960, and a member of the UN one month later. Its Constitution established the system of government and guaranteed civil liberties for all its citizens.

Following a series of constitutional crises that resulted in an outbreak of violence, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 186 (1964), establishing the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to prevent further clashes and maintain law and order.

A coup d’état in Cyprus in 1974 by Greek Cypriot and Greek elements was followed by military intervention by Turkey. To justify the intervention, Turkey invoked the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, but its actions went well beyond the provisions of the Treaty and became a military occupation which is still prevailing today. The UN Security Council called for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign military personnel. A ceasefire came into effect on 16 August 1974.

Over the ensuing decades, numerous UN-sponsored negotiations and solution plans have sought to establish a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Despite these efforts, disagreements over various matters, particularly security and territorial issues, have stalled progress.

The pursuit of a peaceful and lasting solution in Cyprus remains a priority for the international community, including the IPU. While the path to reunification is challenging, the commitment of the international community and the enduring aspiration and desire for unity and peace provide hope for a brighter future for all Cypriots.