Post #3095

✔️ NICOSIA, April 16. /TASS/. Moscow is convinced that any issues between the communities in Cyprus can be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, as well as through peaceful discussions mediated by the UN. Russian Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Murat Ziazikov told a TASS correspondent. "Resolving the Cyprus problem is one of the challenging tasks which the United Nations has been facing for many years. The UN, a key forum for resolving any disputes in a multipolar world, understands that only the Cypriots themselves can achieve a sustainable settlement on the island through constructive dialogue under the auspices of the UN," noted the head of the Russian diplomatic mission, commenting on the escalation observed in and around the island's buffer zone near the village of Pyla in recent days. He added that the Russian capital is closely monitoring relevant intra-Cypriot and international efforts in this direction. The ambassador also outlined the fundamental principles of Moscow's position on the Cyprus settlement. "Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has demonstrated unwavering interest in this complex issue. And the Russian Federation's position remains unchanged: Moscow consistently advocates for a comprehensive, viable, and just solution to the Cyprus problem that meets, first and foremost, the interests of both communities on the island, as well as the goal of ensuring peace, security, and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean," stated Murat Ziazikov. In recent days, tensions have escalated near the village of Pyla, prompting the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to strengthen patrols in the buffer zone. UNFICYP spokesman Aleem Siddique reported that UN troops continue to closely monitor the situation. He also confirmed that UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus and head of the peacekeeping forces Khassim Diagne called on the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides to maintain calm and restraint in the Pyla area and to respect the UNFICYP mandate.