Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides spoke before the plenary of the 79th United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, touching on the Mideast situation and even the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while again, however, focusing and reminding the body of the ongoing Turkish occupation of one-third of the island republic.
Earlier, the Cypriot President participated in a trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the UN headquarters.
According to reports, regional – and disburbing – developments were discussed, especially the situation in Gaza.
On a more positive note, both Christodoulides and Mitsotakis briefed Macron over progress to finally approve and begin construction of the ambitious Great Sea Interconnector undersea cable project. A French multinational, Nexans, has been tapped as the primary cable manufacturer.
Finally, the three leaders discussed the agenda of the upcoming MED9 summit, which will take place next October in the Cypriot port city of Paphos.
During his address before the UN General Assembly Christodoulides emphasized that “…The torch for peace in Cyprus awaits to be lit. This year, on July 20th, we mourned 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Through the use of force, Turkey occupies a sovereign European state. It violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an EU member state.
“Fifty years, half a century, of continuing Turkish occupation of approximately 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Of continuous violation of the UN Charter, international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.
“Fifty years that the displaced stoically await to return to their ancestral homes. Fifty years that the mothers of the missing stoically await the remains of their loved ones. To lay them to rest in peace.
“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 UN. And yet, 50 years of resilience and hope by Cypriots.
“Hope for peace. A burning desire and a deep belief by my people, by all Cypriots, that this cannot be the future of Cyprus. It cannot be the future of our children and of the generations to come. They deserve to live, to thrive in coexistence and co-creation in a reunified country, in conditions of viable peace.
“I am often asked if I am optimistic about peace in Cyprus after 50 years. Let me recall the words of Jean Monnet, one of the inspired founders of the EU, when he proclaimed that, “This is not a time for blind optimism or paralysing pessimism. Now is the time to be determined.”
“And so, the answer is that I am determined 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.
“To my Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot compatriots, I hear your call for peace. It has not faded over time. It has grown louder. More determined.
“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 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 concluded.
