The United Nations is facing big money problems for its work in Cyprus. The money for UN peace efforts has been cut a lot. This is happening while the UN leader, António Guterres, sees a chance for peace. But there are worries about more fighting near the island's dividing line.
The UN's budget for Cyprus next year is $1.2 million lower. This is about €1 million less. It is a big cut of 37.7%. Eight jobs will be lost. Seven civilian workers helped with talks between communities. They also helped build trust. The job of a special advisor for Cyprus is also empty. This makes it hard to start peace talks again.
Even with less money, Mr. Guterres wants to keep UN peacekeepers in Cyprus for another year. They will stay until January 31, 2027. A report shows the situation is difficult. The report talks about more military problems in the buffer zone. Turkish soldiers caused 112 problems. The Cypriot army caused 34 problems. They built new things without permission.
The UN peacekeepers are needed to stop more fighting. They help keep things calm. Peace talks are starting to look better. This is because leaders from both sides have talked. A new leader for Turkish Cypriots, Tufan Erhürman, started his job. Leaders agree on important political ideas. This could help peace talks move forward.
However, the budget cuts could hurt the UN's ability to work. Fewer people means fewer efforts to build trust. The UN peacekeepers are also having money problems. This means fewer staff and fewer patrols. The UN cannot easily visit some areas. This makes it hard to watch everything. A new chance for peace talks is good. But it is a fragile chance. Everyone must work hard for peace.