As the 50th contingent of Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers depart
this month, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, and the
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Daryl Williams, QC, today affirmed
Australia's continuing commitment to peacekeeping operations on the Island
of Cyprus.
"Australia has contributed police to the United Nations Force in Cyprus
(UNFICYP) since 1964, the year UNFICYP was established," the Ministers
said today.
"Australia has a proud record of involvement in international peacekeeping
operations and our contingent is highly regarded by Greek Cypriots and Turkish
Cypriots alike."
Australia currently contributes 20 AFP officers to Cyprus.
"The utilisation of civilian police is an integral part of Australia's
commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Australia has been
there from the start and we are committed to continuing that involvement.
This involvement is underpinned by the AFP's extensive community, national,
international and United Nations policing experience," the Ministers
said.
Reiterating his previous public statements and those of the Prime Minister,
Mr Downer reaffirmed Australia's policy of recognising the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. As called for in numerous
United Nations Security Council resolutions, the Australian Government agrees
that the State of Cyprus should comprise a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal
Republic with one sovereignty, a single citizenship and one international
personality.
"After 22 years, the time has surely come to find a lasting and peaceful
settlement to the current division of the island," the Ministers said.
"This can only be achieved if the two communities on the island demonstrate
goodwill and work to build confidence and trust.
"Australia urges all parties to the dispute to exercise restraint and
ensure that current tensions are not permitted to spill over into the conflict."
For further information, contact Megan Bonney (Mr Williams' office) on 06.277.7300and Peter Collins (Mr Downer's office) on 06.277.7500