Greek PM Mitsotakis calls Cyprus a test of UN credibility — Cyprus Mail

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, called the unresolved Cyprus issue a test of the United Nations’ credibility. This was reported by Cyprus Mail.

According to Mitsotakis, the Eastern Mediterranean still has an “open wound” in the form of the Cyprus issue. He said that 52 years have passed since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus, which he called illegal, and stressed the need to reunify the island without occupying forces in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Negotiations on Cyprus

The Greek prime minister supported UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ efforts to create conditions for the resumption of substantive negotiations. He expressed hope for progress before the end of Guterres’ second and final term in office, which expires at the end of December, as well as for the continuation of these efforts by his successor.

Mitsotakis also mentioned disputes between Greece and the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey over maritime jurisdiction. He called the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea the legal basis for the peaceful settlement of such disputes. Turkey is not a party to this convention because it believes it places too much emphasis on territorial waters and exclusive economic zones arising from the presence of islands.

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Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East

The Greek prime minister separately mentioned the war by the Russian Federation, an aggressor state, against Ukraine. He said that Ukraine must have a decisive voice in determining its own future and that Europe cannot be absent from the negotiations. Mitsotakis called for an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter.

He also called the war in Sudan a humanitarian catastrophe, urged an end to foreign interference and said impunity for war crimes must not be allowed. In the Middle East, Mitsotakis reaffirmed support for a two-state solution — Israel and Palestine — and expressed concern over developments in the West Bank.

In addition, the head of the Greek government mentioned the Great Sea Interconnector project, which, if implemented, is intended to connect the energy systems of Cyprus, Greece and Israel.