A painting showing a soldier is seen across the UN buffer zone in divided capital Nicosia, Cyprus, March 18. [AP]
Greece on Saturday reiterated its rejection of the unilateral declaration of the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” marking 42 years since the move in November 1983, and emphasized that it is “illegal” and widely condemned by the United Nations.
In a statement in Greek, the Foreign Ministry said the declaration violated fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, citing UN Security Council Resolutions 541/1983 and 550/1984.
“Greece will never accept the fait accompli created by the Turkish invasion and occupation,” the ministry said, calling on all states to uphold international law, resist any form of revisionism, and “respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.”
The ministry added that Greece remains committed, alongside the Republic of Cyprus, to “a comprehensive, mutually acceptable solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation,” in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Recent diplomatic developments – including the appointment of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ personal envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, and informal meetings in an expanded format – were described as important steps toward creating conditions for the resumption of peace negotiations.
Last week, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s position that a two-state settlement is the most realistic option for resolving the Cyprus issue. Nicosia responded that Turkey must abandon its insistence on a two-state solution if it hopes to make progress on its long-stalled bid to join the European Union.