The importance of international law, the UN Charter, and multilateralism, particularly for smaller states, the added value and the important role of Cyprus in the region as a pillar of stability, cooperation, and humanitarian contribution; contemporary global challenges, including climate change; the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the contributions and leadership of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, as highlighted by the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, in his address to the 81st General Assembly of the United Nations, currently taking place in New York.

First and foremost, however, the President of the Republic responded to the unacceptable demands made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding the Cyprus issue, who called for a two-state solution and recognition of the pseudo-state. Nikos Christodoulides spoke of “utter hypocrisy” and called on him to implement the UN Charter and allow substantive talks.

READ HERE: “Utter Hypocrisy”: Christodoulides Urged Erdoğan to Implement the UN Charter and Called on Him to Allow Substantive Negotiations

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Turkey’s UN envoy stood up and left when President Christodoulides was announced | AlphaNews

CHRISTODOULIDIS’S FULL SPEECH:

As the UN Secretary-General reminded us a few years ago, “The United Nations is the embodiment of HOPE.”

Eighty-one years after its founding, this HOPE is being put to the test.

Technology, including Artificial Intelligence, is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Climate change is reshaping our societies. The international environment is becoming increasingly complex, contested, and unpredictable.

The international order is not merely changing. It is being tested in an unprecedented way.

But it is in such times of uncertainty that the fundamental values of multilateralism must be protected:

International law. The United Nations Charter. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The peaceful settlement of disputes. Respect for human rights. The equality of states.

These are not merely principles of the past.

They are timeless principles—an essential component of the present and the future.

The challenge before us is therefore clear: as the world changes, our institutions must be able to respond to new realities and threats. And they must continue to be guided by the painful lessons of history AND the vision of this Organization’s founders.

This is the essence of the theme of the 81st General Assembly: “Restoring trust, managing change: a United Nations that delivers results for all.”

Ladies and gentlemen,

Change is inevitable. What must remain constant is the United Nations Charter as our compass.

It guides us all—regardless of power, size, or influence.

For small countries, the principle of the equality of States is fundamental. And it is this principle that has fostered the trust that binds us together.

We rely on an international system in which sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.

We expect the consistent application of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

We believe in the peaceful resolution of disputes.

AND we demand the protection of every state’s rights.

These are the integral elements of our collective trust. And this is the code of principles that guides Cyprus’s diplomatic action.

And in this rapidly changing world, small and medium-sized states must seek synergies while continuing to pursue strategic autonomy.

Maintaining trust also requires institutions capable of responding to today’s world: the United Nations must, therefore, continue to evolve.

The UN80 Initiative is an important part of this effort. The Pact for the Future, as well as the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, are also part of the effort to ensure that multilateral cooperation can meet the needs of our time.

This moment of reform also coincides with the completion of a decade at the helm of this Organization by Secretary-General António Guterres. Cyprus commends his leadership during a period of unprecedented global developments, his unwavering commitment to multilateralism, and his efforts to strengthen and reform the UN.

However, reforming our structures is only part of the answer. What is also needed is a sincere willingness on the part of Member States to contribute to and protect the multilateral system.

After all, states have different capabilities, experiences, and perspectives.

The major powers carry weight. Smaller states must rely on persuasion. We cannot coerce. But we can join forces. We cannot dictate the outcomes. But together, we can help shape them.

There is no doubt that today’s challenges require cooperation and partnerships based on an understanding of the regions and their realities.

The Republic of Cyprus consistently strives to do just that. And it has developed the necessary capabilities to do so.

Our geographical location, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, places us close to some of the world’s most complex dynamics. At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to play an active role in addressing them.

Following the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, Cyprus—in addition to having allocated more than 25% of its available humanitarian aid budget to Palestine—has implemented the Maritime Humanitarian Corridor.

Cyprus was able to offer something specific: its geographical location, its infrastructure, its excellent relations with all countries in the region, and its willingness to cooperate with international partners.

Through cooperation, among other things, with the UN 2720 Mechanism, this idea became a proposal and evolved into a functioning humanitarian corridor. A corridor that continues to yield results even at this very moment.

Cyprus has ALSO played a constructive role during times of emergency. When there was a need to evacuate third-country nationals from our neighborhood, my country has repeatedly served as a “safe haven.” Our infrastructure and resources have been utilized to assist people in danger, in order to facilitate their safe passage.

In the last three years alone, we have helped evacuate thousands of civilians from 70 different countries.

AND through CyprusAid, we have provided humanitarian aid to countries facing natural disasters. Cyprus was among the first to respond following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela and the sudden floods in Nepal. Addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan, as well as in the broader Sahel region, has also been a priority for my country, with a large proportion of our available resources directed toward the region.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Rising temperatures, water scarcity, and extreme weather events affect us all—transcending borders and politics.

In the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, the interlinked political realities we face are further exacerbated by the climate crisis.

Cooperation, therefore, is the only answer.

This is the purpose of Cyprus’s Regional Initiative on Climate Change: to bring the countries of our region together, thereby strengthening our collective capacity for adaptation, mitigation, and resilience.

Another manifestation of this approach is the Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station. Based at the Paphos Air Base and supported by the European Union, it serves as an operational hub for aerial firefighting and rapid response, as well as a Center of Excellence for training, interoperability, and capacity building. Reflecting the emphasis on regional ownership, it brings together partners from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf.

This commitment to active regional cooperation is ALSO demonstrated through CYCLOPS, which was established jointly with the United States. In its four years of operation, it has provided specialized training to thousands of government officials from more than 50 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Europe.

Your Excellencies,

The ability to bridge differing interests was also at the heart of Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of this year.

For six months, a country with fewer than one million inhabitants took on the responsibility of steering the work of a Union of 450 million European citizens.

For Cyprus, this was both a responsibility and an opportunity: to listen, to negotiate, and to build consensus. And to help the European Union and its member states move forward on shared priorities.

Our size did not diminish our responsibility to lead.

Nor has it diminished our ability to live up to that responsibility.

Our position is clear: In a time of multiple crises, isolation is the opposite of responsibility and a luxury we cannot afford.

Cyprus has proven itself to be an active and responsible player in the international community. It has contributed to crisis management, humanitarian aid, regional cooperation, and the protection of human rights and multilateralism.

Distinguished Representatives,

In these times of rapid change, the credibility of the UN must be safeguarded.

And credibility requires consistency in the application of international law.

For my country, Cyprus, this is not an abstract principle. It is a painful, existential reality.

Fifty-two years have passed since the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus. An act of aggression that violates the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

An ongoing, flagrant violation of international law, with more than one-third of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus remaining under Turkish occupation.

For 52 years now, tens of thousands of displaced persons and their descendants have been prevented from returning to their homes.

For 52 years, Varosha has remained sealed off, with Turkey still flouting its clear and specific obligations as set forth in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

For 52 years, we have been witnessing violations of fundamental human rights; the destruction of religious and cultural heritage; AND the organized transfer of settlers, which constitutes demographic alteration.

Pain and immense anguish are the daily reality for the relatives of the missing, who to this day demand answers regarding the fate of their loved ones.

AND for 52 years now, the principles at stake have remained the same.

Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are not mere rhetorical devices. Nor should they be applied selectively, depending on who the perpetrator is.

These principles do not become any less important with the passage of time.

Nor do the Resolutions

of the Organization.

UN resolutions cannot be applied in one case and ignored in another.

Nor can the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a state depend on its size, its power, or the passage of time.

This is not just an issue concerning Cyprus.

It concerns the credibility of the international system itself.

If we ask states to believe in multilateralism, if we expect them to contribute actively to it, then they must be able to trust that the principles and decisions of our institutions will be upheld without exception.

This consistency is important, especially for states whose security is based on the protection provided by international law rather than on the balance of power.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I listened very carefully to President Erdoğan’s speech yesterday: references to international law, to respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. To the illegal occupation, to the plight of refugees.

However, when it comes to Cyprus, Turkey is doing exactly the opposite. This is the height of hypocrisy.

President Erdoğan also made extensive reference to the United Nations Charter. But politicians are judged not by their words but by their actions.

Mr. Erdogan, if you wish to invoke the Charter, you must first apply it.

The UN Security Council has established the framework for resolving the Cyprus problem. This framework—a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality—remains the ONLY basis on which a comprehensive solution must be achieved.

I remain fully committed to achieving a comprehensive solution.

I am ready to resume negotiations from the point where they were suspended in 2017, building on the substantial work that has already been done, within the agreed framework of the United Nations.

The common ground exists: the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, international law, as well as the law, values, and principles of the European Union.

What is needed now is political will on the part of all parties.

A sincere willingness to return to substantive negotiations.

To engage seriously.

To build on the progress that has already been made.

AND to reach a solution that will reunite our country and our people.

A solution that will allow Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins to live together in peace, security, and prosperity.

For my part, let me repeat: I am fully committed to this.

Because partition will not be accepted. It cannot and will not be the future of my homeland and my people. Never. Our determination to reunify our island is unwavering.

Therefore, I call on my Turkish Cypriot compatriots to view our shared future as a unique opportunity for prosperity.

AND I call on President Erdoğan to allow substantive negotiations within the framework agreed upon by the UN.

Your Excellencies,

I have mentioned several times that change is inevitable.

But the choices we make in response to change are our own.

For countries like Cyprus, the answer must be targeted partnerships—partnerships that deliver when needed, born of the conviction that, in times of need, we must act together. This is the choice we must make.

We can let our differences weaken the institutions we have built together. Or we can strengthen them.

We can let power imbalances determine whose voice matters. Or we can reaffirm the founding principles of this Organization.

For Cyprus, there is no such dilemma:

We believe in a United Nations that upholds the principles of its Charter and has the capacity to act in accordance with them.

We believe in a multilateral system in which every state has both rights and responsibilities.

AND we believe that small states have a special role to play: NOT on the sidelines of international affairs, but as active participants in shaping our common future.

For the Republic of Cyprus, this means defending the principles on which we stand, contributing to the institutions in which we believe, to build partnerships for the common good, to take initiatives to create meaningful synergies, and to act responsibly wherever we can make a difference.

Despite the challenges posed by the Turkish occupation, we remain resilient and unwavering in our faith in the Multilateral System.

Because, ultimately, the strength of multilateralism is measured by the extent to which each member state believes that its own voice matters, its own rights are protected, and its own contribution is valued.

That is how we restore trust.

This is how we manage change.

And this is how we build a United Nations that truly delivers results for everyone.

Thank you.

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