The view that the renewal of the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is going to be possible "without much difficulty" was expressed by a French diplomatic source, who spoke to the Cyprus News Agency in New York about the relevant consultations at the Security Council, while adding that the renewal is important. Highlighting a "new political situation" on the island, the same source said that the Secretary General has all authority to seek "whatever progress is possible" in relation to a Cyprus settlement.