UN extends peacekeeping mission in Cyprus for six months

The UN Security Council on Monday extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus, or UNFICYP, until June 15, 2010, Xinhua reported.
   By a vote of 14 in favor to 1 against, the Council adopted a resolution urging the parties in Cyprus to build on previous progress in negotiations for the reunification of the divided island by intensifying the momentum of talks.
   Through resolution 1898, the 15-member body also urged that the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides put in place confidence-building measures, including the opening of additional crossing points.
   It cited "a rare opportunity to make decisive progress in a timely fashion" to reunify the Mediterranean island after a history of fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
   UNFICYP, which has been operating in Cyprus for 45 years, now has 926 uniformed personnel and 40 international civilian staff. It was first established in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. After hostilities erupted again in 1974, its responsibilities were expanded to supervise ceasefire lines, maintain a buffer zone and undertake humanitarian activities.