Christodoulides responds to Erdogan: The illegality resulting from the invasion cannot be recognised

“The illegality resulting from the invasion, aggression and the use of violence cannot be recognised,” said the General Assembly. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulidis responds to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who asked the same step of the UN General Assembly to recognise the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. Nikos Christodoulides also referred to global and regional issues, stressing Cyprus’ commitment to international law, peace and diplomacy. He initially congratulated Philimon Young on his election as President of the 79th UN General Assembly and reaffirmed Cyprus’ support for the principles of the UN Charter for peace, stability and respect for sovereignty. “The Russian invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation, came as another intense reminder of what is at stake, unless we defend and adhere to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Cyprus strongly condemns any violation of international peace and security committed through military action by any state, against independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of another state,” he said. Nikos Christodoulides condemned terrorism, referring to the October 7 attacks and stressed the need for a single global response to human rights violations. The Cypriot President pointed out the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with Cyprus playing a role in assisting Amalthia and acting as a stabilising force in the region. “We have systematically stated this commitment and we will continue to do so. Cyprus has repeatedly acted as a regional evacuation hub in times of crisis. A safe bridge, a safe haven for citizens,” he noted. Half-century illegal occupation of northern Cyprus Nicos Christodoulides then referred to the Cyprus issue, emphasising the 50 years since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the country and strongly condemned the continued occupation of 37% of the island by Turkey, talking about violating the sovereignty of Cyprus and international law. “It is an insult to this plenary to call an invasion of a peacekeeping operation. Revisionism cannot change reality. Not now or ever. I also say to Mr Erdogan: Now is the time to keep your declared commitment to international law and peace. No country that believes in the moral superiority of its position refuses to sit at the negotiating table,” he said. Nikos Christodoulides stressed the suffering of displaced Cypriots and the issue of missing persons, stressing the urgent need to end the occupation and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions, including the return of the baroese fenced area to its legitimate residents. “And my answer, the answer of the international community is clear: The illegality resulting from invasion, aggression and the use of violence cannot be recognized. International law is not à la carte. His performance doesn’t change depending on who the offender is. It applies equally to all circumstances, in all countries,” he stressed. Bizonal, bicommunal federation The Cypriot President reiterated Cyprus’ commitment to reunification on the basis of a bizonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, according to UN resolutions and EU principles. He called for a resumption of negotiations and expressed his immediate readiness to return immediately to the table of talks, urging Turkey to abandon its revisionist stance and engage in meaningful dialogue on a peaceful, united Cyprus. “I am determined to work tirelessly and bravely for peace in Cyprus. To reunite my country and its people, in a modern, sustainable European state, without occupying troops, without foreign guarantees, which have no place in a European country. Anachronism cannot be the future. I am determined to ensure for all Cypriots all the rights and fundamental freedoms enjoyed by other Europeans. They deserve nothing less,” the President of the Republic of Cyprus stressed. Christodoulides expressed his determination to work towards peace and cooperation, supporting a sustainable future for all Cypriots and strengthening the importance of multilateralism in solving global challenges.