UN peacekeeping force mandate in Cyprus was extended

The UN Security Council on Monday extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus for another six months and urged the leadership of the Greek and Turkish Cyprus to accelerate the pace of talks aimed at reunifying the long-divided island.

A statement released by the United Nations said expressing full support for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the Council voted to extend its mandate until 15 December this year.

The UN has maintained the peacekeeping force on the island since 1964. The force’s current strength is nearly 1,000 uniformed personnel and 150 international and national civilian staff.