Illegality stemming from invasion, aggression and use of force can not be recognised, international law is not à la carte, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides stressed at the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations.
Addressing the General Assembly in New York, the President replied to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s speech at the Assembly on Tuesday, saying that “it is an affront to this plenary to name an invasion a peace operation” adding that “revisionism cannot change reality. Not now, not ever.”
President Christodoulides said that “we can carve a new path, one of peace, cooperation and collaboration”.
He expressed his determination to continue exerting all efforts to resume negotiations for a viable solution to the Cyprus issue, within the only framework, the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
As regards the crisis in the Middle East, he referred to Cyprus’ initiative for a humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza and said that he is deeply alarmed by developments in the
region and that a de-escalation is needed.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said that the torch for peace in Cyprus awaits to be lit and referred to the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion, saying “this year, on July 20th, we mourned 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Through use of force, Turkey occupies a sovereign European state. It violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an EU member state.”
“Half a century of blatant disregard of UN Security Council Resolutions. Resolutions that have also called for the return of the fenced town of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants, and its transfer to the administration of the United Nations.”
And yet, he added, there is still a burning desire and a deep belief by all Cypriots, that this cannot be the future of Cyprus.
He expressed his determination to work tirelessly and bravely for peace in Cyprus.
“To reunify my country and its people, in a modern, viable European state, with no troops of occupation, no foreign guarantees. I am
determined to provide for all Cypriots all rights and fundamental freedoms that other Europeans enjoy. They deserve nothing less. I am determined not to fail them,” he said.
The President referred to his Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot compatriots stressing that: “I hear your call for peace. It has not faded over time. It has grown louder. More determined.”
Furthermore, he said that “We look to the UN, to the UN Secretary General, who understands the imperative of reunification to fulfil the promise of peace. To deliver on the pledge of the UN Charter”
I am determined, President Christodoulides added, to continue exerting all efforts to resume negotiations for a viable solution to the Cyprus issue, within the only framework: the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions that call for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and fully in line with EU law, values and principles.
He said that since the last time he stood before the
assembly “we have exerted every effort to resume the peace process. There is no alternative to the path of peace.”
“I am committed and I am ready, to sit at the negotiating table today. Not tomorrow. Today. I have clarity of vision for the future of Cyprus, for the future of our children in a reunified, prosperous, viable European state” he pledged.
Referring to the Turkish President, he said “history will judge us. And history is unforgiving in the light it casts on leaders who have an opportunity to deliver peace, and instead choose the path of revisionism and disregard for international law. Those who want to lead, must lead by example.”
“The voice of morality cannot have selective historical amnesia, or selective sensitivity to violations of international law. The aggressor, the violator of international law, cannot be the advocate of legality, nor point the finger to others,” he stressed.
The President of Cyprus said that on this podium yesterday “we heard Mr. Erdogan call for the disregard the UN Ch
arter, the violation of UN Security Council Resolutions, and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
And my response, he said, the response of the international community is clear: “Illegality stemming from invasion, aggression and use of force can not be recognized. International law is not à la carte. Its interpretation does not change depending on who is the violator. It applies equally to all contexts, to all countries. It applies to Turkey, a country that 50 years ago, used force in violation of the UN Charter, invaded a sovereign state, and is an occupation force in Cyprus,” he underlined.
He stressed that “it is an affront to this plenary to name an invasion a peace operation. Revisionism cannot change reality. Not now, not ever”
“To Mr. Erdogan I also say: now is the time to deliver on your proclaimed commitment to international law and to peace. No country that believes in the moral superiority of its position refuses to sit on the negotiating table,” he added.
The
President noted that “I adamantly believe that we can carve a new path, one of peace, cooperation and collaboration. We cannot change geography. It is an opportunity, not a curse. Turkey and Cyprus will always remain neighbhours.”
“Let us change the narrative. Let us transform our proximity into a promise. Let us build together a legacy of peace, that can be transformative for the whole region. Let us deliver on that promise,” he stressed.
Referring to the crisis in the Middle East, President Christodoulides said that Cyprus, fulfilling its duty as an anchor of stability in a turbulent sea, as the EU’s lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean, delivered the Amalthea maritime corridor to the international community.
“The Cyprus humanitarian corridor is a manifestation of the spirit and the letter of the UN Charter: Cooperation and Multilateralism. It aptly demonstrates the power of diplomacy, one of our most powerful tools,” he said.
The President noted that Cyprus worked closely with regional and internati
onal partners – with the United Arab Emirates, the United States – with the concrete support of the European Union, the United Nations, united by a shared vision.
“These guiding principles are the beacon of our engagement in international relations – the power of diplomacy as a Force for Good,” he pointed out.
“We have consistently manifested this commitment, and will continue to do so. Cyprus has acted, time and time again, as a regional evacuation hub at times of crisis. A safe bridge, a safe haven for civilians,” he said.
Cyprus, he continued, stresses the need for the respect of international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians, the rapid, safe and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. “This war must end now. The suffering must stop now” he said and noted that further escalation and destabilization in the region is need and is of vital importance of preventing regional escalation.
“We are deeply alarmed by recent developme
nts in our neighbouring Lebanon and stress the need for restraint. A step back must be taken from the brink” he said.
He expressed conviction that the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East can move decisively beyond the prevailing narrative of being a region in turmoil and become a hub of stability, peace, and cooperation.
“For the region to fulfil its promise, there has to be a path for lasting peace. There is an urgent need to reinvigorate the Middle East Peace Process and reach a political settlement, in line with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. There is no other path to walk” he said.
Moreover, he said that Cyprus has announced its first-ever candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027, with elections taking place this fall. “Our candidature stems from our deep dedication to promoting, protecting, and fulfilling basic human rights for all, as well as advancing and strengthening international Human Rights within the United Nations’ system,” he said.
Finally,
referring to Ukraine, he said that Cyprus has stood in an unwavering manner, since the first day of Russian invasion, on the right side of history.
“Cyprus, itself a victim of invasion and continuing occupation, has steadfastly supported the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Ukraine,” he concluded.
Source: Cyprus News Agency