United Nations Security Council Resolution 889 – Cyprus

Resolution 889 (1993) of15 December 1993

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolution 186 (1964) of 4 March 1964 and other relevant resolutions,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 22 November and 13 December 199317 submitted pursuant to resolutions 831 (1993) of 27 May 1993 and 839 (1993) of 11 June 1993 in connection with the Security Council’s comprehensive reassessment of the United Nations operation in Cyprus,

Noting the recommendation by the Secretary-General that the Security Council extend the stationing of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus in its present strength and structure for a further period of six months,

Noting also that the Government of Cyprus has agreed that, in view of the prevailing conditions in the island, it is necessary to keep the Force in Cyprus beyond 15 December 1993,

1. Exlends once more the stationing in Cyprus of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force established under resolution 186 ( 1964) for a further period ending on 15 June 1994;

2. Notes the conclusion of the Secretary-General that the present circumstances do not allow for any modification in the structure and strength of the force, and requests him to keep those matters under constant review with a view to the further possible restructuring of the Force;

3. Calls upon the military authorities on both sides to ensure that no incidents occur along the buffer zone and to extend their full co-operation to the Force;

4. Urges all concerned once again to commit themselves to a significant reduction in the number of foreign troops in the Republic of Cyprus and a reduction of defence spending in the Republic of Cyprus to help restore confidence between the parties and as a first step towards the withdrawal of non-Cypriot forces as set out in the set of ideas;

5. Also calls upon the military authorities on both sides, in line with paragraph 3 of resolution 839 (1993), to begin discussions with the Force without further delay with a view to entering into mutual commitments to prohibit along the cease-fire lines live ammunition or weapons other than those which are hand-held, and to prohibit also the firing of weapons within sight or hearing of the buffer zone;

6. Further calls upon the military authorities on both sides to cooperate with the Force in extending the 1989 unmanning agreement to cover all areas of the buffer zone where the two sides are in close proximity to each other.

7. Urges the leaders of both communities to promote tolerance and reconciliation between the two communities as recommended in paragrafh 102 of the reports of the Secretary-General of22 November 1993;1

8. Reaffinns that the status quo is unacceptable, and encourages the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to pursue the Secretary-General’s mission of good offices on the basis of the set of ideas and the package of confidence-building measures relating to Varosha and Nicosia International Airport referred to in paragraph 45 of the above-mentioned report of the Secretary-General;

9. Urges the confirmation by the team of international economic experts that the package of confidence-building measures holds significant and proportionate benefits for both sides, and looks forward to receiving the full reports of the economic and civil aviation experts;

10. Urges the decision of the Secretary-General to resume intensive contacts with both sides and with others concerned and to concentrate at this stage on achieving an agreement on the package of confidence-building measures, intended to facilitate the political process towards an overall settlement;

11. Also welcomes the declared support of the Government of Turkey for the package of confidence-building measures, would also welcome a statement of support for that package by the Government of Greece, and expresses the hope that rapid progress will now be made on achieving agreement on the package;

12. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Security Council by the end of February 1994 on the outcome of his efforts to achieve an agreement on the package of confidence-building measures;

13. Decides To Undertake, on the basis of that report, a thorough review of the situation, including the future role of the United Nations, and, if necessary, to consider alternative ways to promote the implementation of its resolutions on Cyprus.

Adopted unanimously at the 3322nd meeting.