27 October 2016 - The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus marked UN Day a few days late but made up for it with a colourful reception during which UN officials socialised with Cypriots from across the island as well as international partners.

In attendance were, among others, Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Mustafa Akıncı and Mrs. Meral Akıncı, Cyprus Foreign Minister Mr. Ioannis Kasoulides, the Mufti of Cyprus, H.E Dr Talip Atalay, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus & Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Mr. Espen Barth Eide, senior UN officials from the military, police and civilian components, members of the diplomatic community, civil society and the media.

"Tonight, as we stand here at the historic Ledra Palace Hotel, I know I speak on behalf of all my colleagues in the mission in expressing gratitude to our friends and partners from across Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, Latins, Cypriots from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, as well as our many friends in the international community – all of us dedicated to the cause of peace and to a comprehensive settlement that will reunify this beautiful island," SRSG Spehar said during the reception.

"We pledge to continue working closely with you, with determination and vigor, towards this long awaited goal, and following a settlement. At this critical moment in history, Cyprus is a beacon of hope for those in conflict within the region and throughout the world," she added.

SASG Eide said he was encouraged by the commitment shown by the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mustafa Akıncı, as they worked towards their shared goal of a comprehensive settlement that would end the island's protracted division.

UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. 24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.