The Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michail, in her capacity as Chair of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country, presented the Committee’s annual report to the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly, which deals with legal matters.
Ambassador Michail informed the Committee that during the reporting period, the Committee held six meetings in which it examined and discussed a number of important issues relating to the implementation of the 1947 Headquarters Agreement between the United Nations and the Host Country, the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, and the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Among the most important issues discussed were the issuance of entry visas, travel restrictions, and the security of missions.
‘The resolution of problems,’ she noted, ‘is achieved through sincere and constructive exchanges of views and on the basis of international law.’
She further stressed that ‘the Committee has a unique character, as it is the only body within the UN system that considers matters relating to the Host Country and subsequently submits a relevant report to the General Assembly.’
Ambassador Michail also thanked the members of the Committee for their excellent cooperation and the constructive spirit they demonstrated during the informal consultations for the preparation of Chapter IV, entitled ‘Recommendations and Conclusions,’ addressed to the Secretary-General.
In conclusion, Ambassador Michail reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining close cooperation with the Host Country and to assisting in addressing all outstanding issues in a spirit of compromise and with full respect for the best interests of the United Nations.