YouSaid · the spoken record

Nicos Anastasiades

lines on the record: 197
first: 2013-09-24
most recent: 2022-09-24
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I may have not been able to see my homeland reunited, with my Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot compatriots living in conditions of peace, prosperity and stability, but I earnestly hope that, during my lifetime, I will be able to witness a better and more stable future for humankind.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“And as I have emphasized, the only way forward in resolving conflicts and for peace to prevail is none other than the unwavering adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter — and not as arbitrarily interpreted by those who seek to disguise their revisionist aspirations. During my 10-year tenure as President of Cyprus, I may not have been able to enjoy what the vast majority would have also wished to see: the necessary reforms of this international Organization, the resolution of international conflicts and the tackling of such challenges that affect hundreds of millions of people as hunger, poverty and climate change.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We also continued taking initiatives to break the impasse, including through a letter I sent to the Turkish Cypriot leader on 23 May 2022, by which I conveyed constructive proposals for the adoption of bold win-win confidence-building measures — measures that were immediately rejected by the Turkish Cypriot side, which submitted counter-proposals in line with their aim for a two-State solution. Mrs. Gonzalez Lopez (El Salvador), Vice-President, took the Chair. Based on the foregoing, I believe that it is clear that the Greek Cypriot community has exerted and will continue to exert every possible effort for the resumption of talks, in order to reach a settlement based on the United Nations resolutions.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Regrettably, once again, Turkey undermined the prospect of resuming the negotiating process and, instead, at the meeting held in Geneva in April 2021, the Turks presented their position, which was to change the agreed basis of a settlement from a federal solution to a two-State solution. Nonetheless, our side undertook another initiative, which also led to a new joint meeting of the leaders of the two communities with the Secretary-General in September 2021, during which it was agreed that the Secretary-General would proceed with the appointment of an envoy in order to deliberate with both sides and all interested parties, so as to reach common ground for a new peace process to resume. Yet again, Turkey refused to uphold said agreement.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I would further like to recall the Secretary-General’s statement in June 2017, in which he stressed that, “Progress in this chapter [on security and guarantees] is an essential element in reaching an overall agreement”. Following a period of stalemate and despite our disappointment, we undertook new initiatives to resume the process where it was left off at Crans-Montana, culminating in the joint understanding reached with the Secretary-General and the then-leader of the Turkish Cypriots on 25 November 2019, which reaffirmed the principles for the resumption of a new round of talks, namely, the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014, the prior convergences and the six-point framework the Secretary-General presented at Crans-Montana.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In his report dated 28 September 2017, the Secretary-General offered his assessment of the proceedings at Crans-Montana with regard to the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem, stating that, “[t]he core outstanding issues related to governance and power-sharing remained few ...” (S/2017/814, para. 20) and that “[b]y the time the Conference closed, the sides had essentially solved the key issue of effective participation” (ibid., para. 27). Therefore, while the aim of the Secretary-General to reach a strategic agreement was within close reach, the reason for the unsuccessful outcome was Turkey’s inflexible stance and its insistence on maintaining the anachronistic Treaty of Guarantee, the right of intervention and a permanent presence of troops.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That is what we are actually witnessing today with the Cyprus problem. Turkey, which systematically violates international law, calls on the international community to recognize its illegal faits accompli. Unfortunately, that was the long-standing aim of Turkey ever since 1956. That is why, despite the historical compromises by the Greek Cypriot side, all efforts to reach a settlement of the Cyprus problem failed as a result of the intransigent stance and irrational demands of Turkey. The latest example of this was the Conference on Cyprus held at Crans-Montana in July 2017.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Is it the truth that the Security Council called for its reversal and for all States and the international community as a whole not to accept it or in any way assist it? Is it the truth that it is trying to change the status of the fenced city of Famagusta, contrary to Security Council resolutions 550 (1983) and 789 (1992)? Is it the ruth that Turkey adopts its own arbitrary interpretation of international law, which reduces the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus by 44 per cent, at the expense of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea? As I noted earlier, when decisions or resolutions based on international law are not implemented or enforced, that, rightly so, could be perceived as fostering, or even rewarding, arbitrariness.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Is it the truth that they have implanted hundreds of thousands of Turkish nationals in the occupied areas, thereby altering the demographic character of the island, turning the Turkish Cypriots into a minority in the areas that they illegally occupy? Is it the truth that Turkey established an illegal entity in the occupied areas, which is under its absolute political, economic, social, cultural and religious control — an illegal entity, bear in mind, described by the European Court of Human Rights as a subordinate local administration of Turkey? Is it the truth that Turkey tries to equate the State, the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, with the illegal secessionist entity? Is it the truth that that proclamation of the purported secession was condemned by the Security Council and considered legally invalid?”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The latter resolution also stresses that such a settlement must exclude union, in whole or in part, with any other country or any form of partition or secession. Last year, Mr. Erdogan claimed that efforts should concentrate on reaching a settlement based on the so- called realities on the ground (see A/76/PV.3), while this year he spoke about the need for everyone to “see the truth” and that there were “two distinct States and two distinct peoples on the island today”. I am wondering as to which truth is he talking about? Is it the truth that 37 per cent of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, a State member of the European Union, remains under military occupation? Is it the truth that, after the Turkish invasion of 1974, one third of Greek Cypriots were forced to leave their ancestral homes?”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“How much in conformity with international law is his refusal to abide by, first, resolution 3212 (XXIX), adopted in October 1974, which urges the speedy withdrawal of all foreign armed forces and foreign military presence and personnel from the Republic of Cyprus and the cessation of all foreign interference in its affairs; secondly, resolution 365 (1974), which was endorsed by the Security Council in December of the same year; and thirdly, Security Council resolution 1251 (1999), which reaffirms the Council’s position that a Cyprus settlement must be based on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded in a bizonal, bicommunal federation?”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“How ironic is it for the Turkish President to put forward such a claim when every day he threatens to overtake Greek islands, or when he commits thousands of violations of the airspace of the sovereign and neighbouring country, contrary to international law? How even more provocative is it to express the desire to resolve disputes “in conformity with international law” when he refuses to implement numerous resolutions of the United Nations on the Cyprus problem and creates new faits accompli?”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“My reference to the need for reforms to the structure and implementation mechanism of decisions taken by the United Nations arises not only from my assessment as to other international problems, but also from what my country still endures and suffers as a result of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. It is with deep disappointment that I heard President Erdogan claiming that “As a country, Tiirkiye wants all the issues in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean to be resolved within the framework of good-neighbourly relations and in conformity with international law.” (A/77/PV.4, p.24).”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The first decision is to ensure the identification of the causes that lead to unnecessary rivalries and conflicts and the renewal of our commitment to a global order based on international law — a global order that ensures that peace, security, human rights and sustainable development remain the highest values, which we undertake to preserve and hold. The second decision is to ensure the political will and determination to proceed with the reform and modernization of the United Nations into a just and efficient multilateral governance system. That reform and modernization process becomes even more imperative and urgent with the imminent danger, after 77 years, of a new world war following the Russian aggression and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Fifthly, as a result of the same political expediencies, the United Nations, unfortunately, adopts an equal-distance stance, even when faced with the violation of decisions, resolutions and defined scope and terms of reference specified to the Secretariat. That results in emboldening offending States, which not only disregard international law but also create new precedents outside the framework of legality. I have set out the main reasons for the lack of effectiveness, as well as the weakness, of the United Nations in living up to the expectations of billions of people. I know that I may be considered a romantic ideologist, but I believe that the recent events and problems affecting the world do not leave any choice other than to take bold, but necessary decisions.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Secondly, despite the end of the Cold War, alliances based on common interests lead to tolerance towards States that violate international law if the offender is under their sphere of influence. Thirdly, there is a resurgence of hegemonic tendencies by some States, with the aim of creating new empires, at the expense of smaller States and in violation of international law. Fourthly, despite the declared intention of the Secretary-General to proceed with the much-needed reform and modernization of the Organization, as well as its modus operandi and decision-making processes, the lack of willingness on the part of the States I referred to has not allowed for the implementation of such a change.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I know that what I am saying may be outside the bounds of diplomatic etiquette, but I believe that the obligation of each leader before history is not to overlook failings and shortcomings in favour of wishful thinking or flattery. That is why I will proceed with a review, not just of the reasons that have transformed the Organization into a repository of problems, but also of what States are required to do in order to lend credibility to the Organization so that it can effectively impose international legal order and consistently implement decisions and programmes for the benefit of humankind. In my opinion, the weaknesses and inefficacies of the United Nations are due to several factors. The first problem is the fact that international law is dictated by the financial or other interests of powerful Member States.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Why do strategies and programmes aimed at creating better conditions for people who are suffering remain wishful thinking?” Although I am well aware that what I am about to say is well known to everyone in attendance, for the sake of history I cannot but relay some truths that are leading us on a declining path and to the gradual loss of credibility of the United Nations, an Organization that was formed right after the Second World War in order to prevent new disasters and to provide protection and hope to those in need of effective protection, as well as to take action to tackle the challenges I just mentioned.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In addressing the General Assembly in 2018 and referring to the weakness of dealing with the same problems, I wondered aloud: “how is it that we come back again and again, year after year, as a kind of ritual, to attest to the dismal lack of effectiveness for some and the attempts at embellishment of others for what is in fact our inability to fulfil the aims of the Charter of the United Nations?” (A/73/PV.10, p. 5) I wondered further: “Why do the decisions of the Security Council in their overwhelming majority remain mere certificates that attest to violations? Why are international law and international agreements not implemented?”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Furthermore, that would have ensured that we would have been able to tackle social and economic exclusion, the lack of adequate health-care standards and the shortage of educational opportunities; that sustainable development would have finally become a reality for all countries and regions in need by establishing the necessary political and socioeconomic conditions that lead to stability, economic growth and institution-building; that measures for the prevention of climate change and its devastating consequences would have been implemented consistently by all parties involved; that terrorism and religious fundamentalism would have given way to tolerance and understanding; that the trillions of dollars spent on destructive weapons would instead have been spent on actions and programmes aiming to bridge the gap between rich and poor States; and, finally, that multilateralism would have been the guiding doctrine of all States.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That would have ensured that any threat or attempt to call into question the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any United Nations State Member would have been brought to a complete halt or minimized; that long-standing conflicts and disputes would have been resolved or would be in the process of being resolved in accordance with the decisions and resolutions of the United Nations; that the need for the Organization’s reform would have led to the effective prevention of new threats and challenges to world peace; that, through its new role, the United Nations would have implemented projects to effectively combat hunger and to improve the living conditions of hundreds of millions of people in dire need of aid; and that the number of refugees and migrants forced to flee from their homes due to conflict or poverty would have been greatly reduced.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“With only a few months left of my 10-year tenure in office, I stand before members to address the plenary session of the General Assembly for the very last time. I would have wished nothing more than for this address to have been a reflection of positive developments in what humankind has had to face or is facing. Like all of those here, I would have liked to have applauded the results of the implementation either of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations or of the decisions and resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In conclusion, please allow me to stress that, in a fragmented and multipolar world, we have more than ever a moral, ethical and political duty to promote the essence of human civilization, unite our strength to maintain international peace and security and establish conditions that can bring prosperity and welfare to all.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We share a collective responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law, particularly with regard to the protection of women and minorities. We also need to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorism and extremism, or a breeding ground for organized crime, weapons and drug trafficking and renewed waves of migration. Another region that is also considered synonymous with discord and strife is the Middle East and North Africa. In that regard, as a strong proponent of the ideal that the eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East can become an area of stability, peace and cooperation, Cyprus strives to actively promote an enhanced network of regional cooperation.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“As our actions are interconnected and have an impact on one another, we — all the nations of the world — made a collective pledge to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals so as to address universal challenges, to which I have already alluded, for the benefit of humankind. At the same time, we must all realize that we are at a defining moment for climate change. Taking into account the alarming projections concerning its impact on our immediate region, namely, the eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East, Cyprus has undertaken a coordinating role in the development of a regional action plan, consisting of two distinct components, that is, a scientific and, subsequently, an intergovernmental one. I would be remiss if I did not refer to the recent developments in Afghanistan.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“My extensive reference to the Cyprus problem aims to highlight the need to address the realities and issues before us on the basis of the values and the principles of international law, and not on the basis of the law arbitrarily interpreted by the powerful. The chosen theme of this year’s General Assembly, “Building resilience through hope — to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalize the United Nations”, is of course very timely and relevant to the momentous challenges that we need to tackle.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“For us, there is only one plan, that is, to reach a settlement on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as set out in relevant Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded; a settlement that will lead to a functional and viable State, without the obsolete system of guarantees, the right of intervention, the presence of Turkish troops or any kind of foreign dependencies; and a settlement that will equally benefit all Cypriots — Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots — while fully respecting their human rights and contributing to the peace and stability of the region.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“It goes without saying that such an invitation is not meant to be an alternative to the agreed basis of the settlement. It is meant to ease the Turkish Cypriot community back into the State pending a final settlement, provided a strategic agreement is reached, thereby fully participating in the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus into a federal State. That proposal should also be assessed in conjunction with the package of game-changing, win-win, confidence-building measures that I proposed last December and which were unfortunately rejected by the Turkish side. Those confidence-building measures are still on the table. I would like to assure the Assembly about my determination to set the negotiation process back on track, on the basis of the United Nations framework and the agreement reached in Berlin on 25 November 2019.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“A compromise becomes even more difficult to reach when new ideas put forward by our side, as requested by the Secretary-General and in an effort to move the process forward, are blatantly rejected. I have proposed the decentralization of the exercise of powers, which we deem as the appropriate balance between the enhancement of the constituent States’ essential role and the unhindered functioning of the State, including at the international level. I have also flagged our willingness to consider the option of a parliamentary system with a ceremonial Head of State and a rotating Prime Minister. More recently, I even extended an invitation to the Turkish Cypriots to rejoin the State institutions established by the 1960 Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, thereby fully implementing, mutatis mutandis, its relevant provisions.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The evident goal was for him to be replaced by a new leadership that reproduces and adopts Turkey’s position on changing the agreed basis for a settlement, with the ultimate goal being a two-State solution. Therefore, it is clear why a compromise cannot be reached when one side deviates from the United Nations framework or annuls agreements reached and aspires to a different form of settlement, contrary to the agreed basis and the good-offices mandate of the Secretary-General. Part of the Turkish agenda is also the creation of a new fait accompli on the ground in Famagusta, in full contravention and violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992). All such actions are clearly intended to destroy the prospects of a settlement based on the agreed United Nations framework.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Furthermore, following the Conference held at Crans-Montana, in line with our commitment to resume the peace process, both leaders — I and my counterpart, the Turkish Cypriot leader — and the Secretary-General reached a joint understanding on 25 November 2019 on the principles that should guide the resumption of a new round of negotiations, namely, the Joint Declaration of 2014, the convergences reached so far and the six-point framework presented by the Secretary-General at Crans-Montana. Following that, one would expect the next step to be the resumption of negotiations. Nevertheless, with Turkish objectives being different, we witnessed blatant intervention by Turkey to oust the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, with whom the aforementioned joint understanding was reached.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In paragraph 27 of his report of 28 September 2017 (S/2017/814), with reference to the outcome of the Conference on Cyprus at Crans-Montana, the Secretary-General rightly assessed that all internal elements included in his six-point framework were almost, or about to be, resolved. Therefore, while the aim of the Secretary-General to reach a strategic agreement was within close reach, the reason for the unsuccessful outcome was Turkey’s inflexible stance and insistence on maintaining the anachronistic Treaty of Guarantee, the right of intervention and a permanent presence of troops.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“I again ask which country invaded and to date still occupies Cyprus? Which country invaded Syria? Which country violates the sovereignty of Iraq? Which country interferes in the internal affairs of Libya? Which country violates the sovereign rights of Greece? Which country interfered in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? The narrative also put forward by the Turkish side, according to which all efforts to reach a compromise have failed and we should therefore seek solutions outside the United Nations framework, reinforces the valid argument that Turkey’s end-game is not to solve the Cyprus problem but to turn Cyprus into its protectorate. I will elaborate.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Erdogan, stated, “[w]e hope that the problems regarding maritime boundary delimitation will be resolved within the framework of international law and good- neighbourly relations” (A/76/PV3, p.41). I wonder to which international law Mr. Erdogan refers. Is it not a fact that Turkey refuses to ratify and abide by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which codifies relevant customary international law? How does Mr. Erdogan understand the settlement of disputes concerning delimitations? Is he referring to Turkey’s own arbitrary interpretation of international law, which reduces the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus by 44 per cent, at the expense of Greek and Turkish Cypriots alike? President Erdogan also spoke of the need to maintain good-neighbourly relations.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Is it not a fact that the aforementioned proclamation of the purported secession has been condemned by the Security Council and considered legally invalid? And is it not a fact that the Security Council called for its reversal and for all States and the international community, as a whole, not to accept or in any way assist it? Is it not a fact that, recently, with the presence of President Erdogan in Cyprus, they are trying to change the status of the fenced city of Famagusta, contrary to Security Council resolutions and the condemnation of the international community? During his address to the General Assembly on Tuesday, the President of Turkey, Mr.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Is it not a fact that all the aforementioned crimes have been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe in a plethora of decisions, with Turkey failing to comply with even one ruling? Is it not a fact that Turkey has established an illegal entity in the occupied areas, which is under its absolute political, economic, societal, cultural and religious control — a control that is also denounced by the majority of Turkish Cypriots; an illegal entity described by the European Court of Human Rights as a subordinate local administration of Turkey? Is it not a fact that Turkey tries to equate the State, the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, member of the United Nations and the European Union, with the illegal secessionist entity?”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Is it not a fact that they looted churches, destroyed archaeological sites and thousands of years of cultural heritage? Is it not a fact that they killed thousands of people and committed atrocities of all kinds and today almost 1,000 persons are still missing? Is it not a fact that they have sent hundreds of thousands of Turkish nationals to the occupied areas, thereby severely altering the demographic character of the island, turning the Turkish Cypriots into a minority in the areas they occupy? Is it not a fact that they have never implemented the 1975 Agreement on the status of the enclaved persons, who then numbered more than 23,000? Today there are only 350 of them.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“It is not my intention to engage in a blame game, but I cannot leave unnoticed the absurdity of the Turkish rhetoric, which lies in their claim that efforts towards reaching a compromise have been exhausted and that our focus should now be on reaching a settlement based on the so-called realities on the ground. Let me remind members what the true realities on the ground are. Is it not a fact that 37 per cent of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, a European Union member State, remains under Turkish military occupation, with more than 40,000 troops still on the ground? Is it not a fact that after the Turkish invasion, one third of Greek Cypriots were forced to leave their ancestral homes? Is it not a fact that, while the Turkish Cypriots own approximately 14 per cent of privately owned land, today they usurp 37 per cent of the island?”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“I stand here before the Assembly representing a country that, regrettably, still endures the consequences of the blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations as a result of the 1974 illegal military invasion by Turkey and the ongoing occupation. Ever since, both the General Assembly and the Security Council have issued numerous decisions and resolutions that call on Turkey to end the illegal occupation and withdraw its occupying troops, establishing at the same time the basis for reaching a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. Those decisions and resolutions, in the absence of resolve and the necessary means for their implementation, have led to the audacity of the invader, which tries to be portrayed as a victim instead of the perpetrator it actually is.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“It is for that reason that we lend our unwavering support to the reform and revitalization priorities of the Secretary-General, which aim to reinforce the effectiveness of the Organization and further advance peacekeeping and peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance and long-term development and growth. What I have just referred to is by no means intended to belittle the numerous achievements of the work of the United Nations. My remarks and observations aim to emphasize the need to transform, via reforms, an Organization that will give real hope to those in need of international protection and to the quest for collective peace and security and development — in other words, to turn the United Nations into a much more effective Organization. My strong and honest words are not unintentional.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“What is equally alarming is that the combination of that has led to the forced displacement of millions of people and created unprecedented waves of refugees and migratory flows, exerting huge economic and social pressures on all countries and regions affected. Unfortunately — and we have to be honest with ourselves — selfish interests hinder the founding principles of the United Nations, in which humankind has vested its hopes for a prosperous and peaceful future. In order to achieve that objective, there is only one answer: multilateralism, tangible solidarity and stronger partnerships that are based on a positive agenda.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“How compliant are we in the implementation of what we have agreed with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change? I could expand into numerous other problems, the resolution of which could have been possible had the United Nations implemented its relevant decisions. That is why our collective and shared failure to decisively tackle the challenges I referred to has let down and disappointed many people across the world whose fundamental human rights and dignity are not adequately protected. At the same time, it has also led to the rise of worrisome developments such as religious fundamentalism, violent extremism, sectarianism, the destruction of cultural heritage, civil war and ethnic conflict.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“That sense of disappointment results from witnessing a widening gap between words and deeds, and between the auspicious declarations and commitments that are made and the results of the measures that we promise to deliver. In all honesty, how many times have we spoken about the need to address regional disputes, invoking the Charter of the United Nations as well as the decisions and resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council? To what extent do the weakness or insufficient implementation of our decisions perpetuate conflicts and encourage violations that, in turn, proliferate humanitarian crises? How often have we spoken about the dire need to tackle major global challenges such as poverty, hunger, child mortality, social and economic exclusion, a lack of adequate health care and a shortage of educational opportunities?”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate the elected President of the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session, His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Shahid, and the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, on his recent reappointment to a second five-year mandate. I assure them of my Government’s unwavering support for their missions. This is the ninth consecutive year that I have attended the general debate of the General Assembly. Every year, our deliberations focus on important issues regarding developments and challenges that are critical for humankind with the aim, through collective action, of addressing them effectively. Taking stock of our declarations and decisions over time, I must confess that — like many of us here — I feel a deep sense of disappointment.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“For a State truly led by Cypriots and not for a State led by foreigners. The era of colonization is well beyond us. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, In concluding, I wish to once more reiterate that strengthening our commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, which underpins the UN Charter, is fundamental to supporting the three UN pillars: peace and security, development and human rights. To this end, I would like to echo one of the most inspiring and hopeful mantras of the last session: “We remain united in our shared humanity and in giving peace a chance.” Thank You.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“What I would like to repeat is that, as a European country and in full respect to the values and principles of the EU and the UN, our intention has never been or will never be to deprive our Turkish Cypriot compatriots from their legitimate rights, in accordance with the EU acquis and the UN Charter. I do believe, provided that there no foreign interreferences, that there is common ground between the two communities to reach a settlement that will fulfill the vision of our people to live in a European country, truly independent and sovereign. A country, free from foreign troops and rights of intervention, ensuring conditions of stability for a safe, prosperous and peaceful future. A settlement with neither winners nor losers, in full respect of the sensitivities and concerns of both communities.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“If President Erdogan considers that what he demands for the Turkish Cypriots is compromising and just, then why doesn’t he grant the same rights to the Kurds, bearing in mind that their population proportion is close to the population proportion of the Turkish Cypriots? Excellencies, I have mentioned just some of Turkey’s demands, preconditions, and ongoing illegal actions in Cyprus. I do not want to expand on numerous other absurd claims or activities which do not abide to the notion of reaching a viable and functional settlement, in line with international law and our capacity as an EU member-state.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Is it uncompromising to envision establishing a robust system of security, based on the Charter of the UN and the Treaties of the EU and the Council of Europe? Does any constitution of a Federal State provide that for every decision at a Federal Level at least one positive vote by one constituent member is required? When especially the constituent member is controlled by a third country? Distinguished Friends, I posed this argument, having in mind: a) The fact that the Turkish implanted settlers might now outnumber Turkish Cypriots, and; b) Turkey’s insistence of maintaining the Treaty of Guarantee, the right of intervention and the permanent presence of Turkish troops.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“From what I have already mentioned it is evident as to which side, through the military invasion and its illegal actions thereafter, aims to permanently divide the Republic of Cyprus. The numerous UN Resolutions, the decisions of the Security Council and the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights, speak by themselves. At the same time, I am wondering: Is it uncompromising to aspire establishing an independent and sovereign State, without any foreign guarantees, any right of intervention by a foreign country and free from the presence of occupation troops? Which other of the 193 UN member states is under Guarantees by a third country? Is it unjust to advocate establishing a normal State in which all decisions will be taken only by its citizens, free from foreign dependencies?”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“International law cannot be applied unilaterally, according to one’s whims. Wouldn’t be to the best benefit of everyone to settle our differences in accordance with international practices? On my behalf I wish to repeat once more that I am ready to engage in a constructive dialogue and/or to abide by any judgement of the International Court. Excellencies, The blame-game method is always used by those who bear the responsibility of not reaching a solution to problems or disputes they themselves created. This is exactly what Mr. Erdogan attempted to do by accusing our side, that: “The only obstacle to a solution is the uncompromising, unjust and spoiled approach of the Greek Cypriot side”.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)