Christodoulides Confronts Turkey at UN

A Strong Call for Responsibility and Multilateralism

President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus made a powerful statement at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, directly addressing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He criticized Erdogan for what he described as hypocrisy, pointing out that Turkey’s actions contradict its rhetoric on peace and accountability.

Christodoulides emphasized that “the playbook of occupiers is always the same,” highlighting the repeated violations of international law by Turkey. He argued that illegality cannot be recognized, regardless of who commits it or who is affected. His message was clear: politicians are judged not by their words but by their actions, and true leadership is defined by responsibility.

The president reiterated Cyprus’ commitment to being a reliable and responsible actor. He called on Erdogan to join in efforts to end the occupation of Cyprus through negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement. This solution, according to Christodoulides, should align with UN Security Council Resolutions, EU law, and principles of political equality.

He described the current global situation as one where the international order is under unprecedented challenge. The world faces devastating wars, humanitarian catastrophes, and violations of international law that threaten regional security and stability. Additionally, the rise of new warfare methods without basic safeguards, the expansion of technology and AI, and the looming threat of climate change all contribute to a rapidly changing world.

Christodoulides acknowledged the role of the United Nations in promoting progress but stressed the need for recognition of shortcomings. He urged action to address these issues, emphasizing that the time has come to renew collective commitments to multilateralism and international law.

In discussing the theme of the assembly, "Better Together," Christodoulides highlighted the importance of unity and resilience. He called for a stronger, more inclusive approach to global challenges, reinforcing the need for cooperation and support among nations.

Cyprus has consistently provided infrastructure and support for evacuations from conflict zones. Following the Hamas attack on October 7 and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Cyprus played a critical role by reactivating the Amalthea maritime corridor for delivering aid. The country also sent firefighters to assist neighbors during wildfires, showcasing its commitment to regional stability.

Christodoulides expressed pride in Cyprus’ role as a responsible actor, emphasizing its determination to expand this commitment. He called for an end to the war in Gaza and outlined the importance of peace, stating that there are no substitutes for it. He advocated for a two-state solution aligned with UN resolutions, making it clear that Hamas, as a terrorist organization, has no place in such a future.

Looking ahead, Christodoulides mentioned Cyprus’ upcoming EU presidency in the first half of 2026. He highlighted the significance of this role, noting the need for stronger multilateralism, integration, and cooperation between Europe and the world. Cyprus aims to support strategic partners like Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon while focusing on stability in Syria.

Additionally, Cyprus will assume a new responsibility as a member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027. Christodoulides expressed pride in the country's candidature for the Presidency of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, emphasizing its commitment to multilateralism, inclusivity, and bridge-building.

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Christodoulides condemned the use of force against a sovereign nation and the suffering of civilians. He stressed the importance of collective action against aggressors, warning that appeasing them never yields results. He concluded by reaffirming Cyprus’ commitment to being responsible and advocating for the good of humanity.