In his recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, presented a version of the Cyprus issue that, though passionate, was strikingly one-sided. While he espoused principles such as human rights, peace, and multilateralism, his speech was riddled with contradictions and failed to acknowledge the complexities of Cyprus' reality, particularly the historical and current injustices suffered by the Turkish Cypriot community. 

Moreover, his blatant disregard for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the recognition efforts championed by Türkiye's President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, demonstrates the unwillingness of the Greek side to engage in a fair and balanced dialogue about the future of the island.

A Selective Historical Narrative

Christodoulides opens his speech by invoking the horrors of war and the UN Charter’s commitment to peace and sovereignty, claiming that “Cyprus, itself a victim of invasion and continuing occupation, has steadfastly supported the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Ukraine.” This analogy to Ukraine’s sovereignty is not only flawed but also hypocritical. Cyprus is not an innocent victim of Turkish “invasion” as Christodoulides suggests. Rather, Türkiye’s legal intervention under the 'Treaty of Guarantee' in 1974 was in response to an invasion / coup orchestrated by the Greece and the Greek military junta together with the EOKA-B terrorist group, which sought to unite the island with Greece (Enosis), a clear violation of Cyprus’ constitutional sovereignty and the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. By omitting these crucial details, the Greek Cypriot leader distorts the historical context and ignores the very reasons Türkiye had to intervene to protect the Turkish Cypriot community.

Moreover, Christodoulides’ lament over 50 years of what he calls Turkish "occupation" of 37% of the island disregards the lived experiences of the Turkish Cypriots, who have faced decades of isolation, embargoes, and systematic marginalization. The TRNC continues to exist as a result of this long history of violence and inequality, a fact conveniently left out in the Greek Cypriot leader’s narrative. Turkish Cypriots established their own state to safeguard their security and political rights, and this reality cannot be ignored in any honest discussion of Cyprus’ future.

A Blatant Rejection of Turkish Cypriot Self-Determination

One of the most glaring omissions in Christodoulides’ speech is his refusal to acknowledge the existence of the TRNC or the aspirations of Turkish Cypriots for recognition and self-determination. He consistently refers to Cyprus as a “unified European state” and a victim of Turkish aggression, entirely dismissing the legitimate claims of the TRNC to sovereignty. His calls for a "bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality" ring hollow when he denies the Turkish Cypriots the right to have their state recognized internationally. Such language ignores the fact that Turkish Cypriots have already made it clear that they no longer wish to be subjected to the dominance of the Greek Cypriot majority, having endured decades of marginalization and discrimination.

This failure to respect the Turkish Cypriot perspective contrasts sharply with President Erdoğan’s recent speech to the UN, in which he called for the recognition of the TRNC, stating, “The TRNC must be recognized for there to be lasting peace in Cyprus.” Erdoğan’s assertion reflects a reality that Christodoulides refuses to accept: there can be no lasting peace on the island without acknowledging the political and social equality of both communities. The Greek Cypriot leader’s insistence on reunification under a federal framework disregards the clear and consistent demands of Turkish Cypriots for a two-state solution, a vision that has garnered increasing international support, particularly from Türkiye.

Double Standards in International Law

Christodoulides repeatedly invokes international law and the UN Charter in his speech, accusing Türkiye of violating Cyprus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. Yet, his application of international law is selective and self-serving. While condemning Türkiye’s military presence in 'Northern Cyprus', he fails to mention that this presence was established in accordance with the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, which explicitly gives Türkiye the right to intervene to restore constitutional order. Furthermore, he ignores the decades of violence and discrimination faced by Turkish Cypriots that led to the division of the island in the first place.

The Greek Cypriot leader’s speech also includes a reference to UN Security Council Resolutions, particularly those calling for the return of Maraş (Varosha) to its “lawful inhabitants” under UN administration. This narrow interpretation of legality, however, overlooks the fact that Turkish Cypriots have long been excluded from the benefits of international recognition and economic development, despite being one of the island’s two equal communities. While Christodoulides calls for the return of Maraş (Varosha), he offers no concrete proposals for how the broader injustices faced by Turkish Cypriots can be addressed, nor does he acknowledge the steps taken by the TRNC to reopen parts of Maraş (Varosha) in a way that benefits both communities.

Hypocrisy on Gaza: Ignoring Israel’s Violations

Christodoulides’ speech took a particularly hypocritical turn when addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While condemning the October 7th terrorist attack and expressing concern over human suffering, he conveniently omitted any real mention of Israel's relentless bombardment of Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions.

Christodoulides declared that “ours is a mission for the innocent” and claimed Cyprus acted on its “moral responsibility to help the innocent civilians of Gaza.” However, this narrative stands in stark contrast to the reality that the Greek side of Cyprus has allowed its territory to be used as a military launch pad for Israel, directly supporting a nation that has been condemned by both the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations General Assembly for violating international law and committing human rights abuses against Palestinians. His support for Israel is a glaring contradiction to his supposed commitment to human dignity and international law.

It is worth noting that while Christodoulides offered flowery rhetoric about humanitarianism, he failed to acknowledge that Gaza has been suffering under a brutal blockade for years. His speech lacks any mention of the International Criminal Court’s recent investigations into Israeli war crimes or the UN’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which have led to countless human rights violations. This omission further reveals the Greek Cypriot leader’s selective outrage and unwillingness to stand up for the oppressed when it does not suit his political agenda.

In contrast, President Erdoğan of Türkiye has been a consistent voice for the Palestinian people, strongly condemning Israel's actions in Gaza and calling for an immediate end to the war. Erdoğan, in his speech to the UN, stated, “Türkiye stands with the people of Palestine. The world must wake up to the suffering in Gaza and put an end to this inhumane war.” Erdoğan’s stance reflects a genuine commitment to international law and the protection of civilians, a commitment that is noticeably absent in Christodoulides’ rhetoric. The Greek Cypriot leader’s failure to acknowledge Israel’s violations while condemning Türkiye’s actions in Cyprus exposes a clear double standard, further undermining his credibility on the international stage.

Hypocrisy in Humanitarianism

Christodoulides presents Cyprus as a “safe haven” and a “lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean” for humanitarian efforts, citing the Amalthea maritime corridor for Gaza as an example of his country’s commitment to human dignity. While these gestures are undoubtedly important, they do not absolve the Greek side of its refusal to engage meaningfully with the Turkish Cypriot people in Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to embargoes, travel restrictions, and economic isolation for decades, all while the Greek side claims to champion human rights. This hypocrisy is further highlighted by Christodoulides’ refusal to accept the TRNC as an equal partner in negotiations, effectively denying Turkish Cypriots the same rights and freedoms he claims to uphold.

In stark contrast, Erdoğan’s speech emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing support for a peaceful and just resolution to the Cyprus issue, one that respects the rights of both communities. Türkiye’s commitment to the TRNC is not merely political but also humanitarian, as seen in its efforts to provide economic and infrastructure support to the Turkish Cypriots, ensuring their continued survival in the face of international isolation. Erdoğan’s call for the recognition of the TRNC is thus not only a legal and political necessity but also a moral imperative.

The Path Forward: A Two-State Solution

While Christodoulides claims to be committed to peace and reunification, his speech to the UN offers little in the way of concrete solutions. His insistence on a bizonal, bicommunal federation ignores the realities on the ground and the clear desire of Turkish Cypriots for self-determination. The Greek Cypriot leader’s speech reflects a nostalgic longing for a past that no longer exists, while the TRNC and its supporters, led by Türkiye, are looking toward the future.

The only viable path to lasting peace on the island is a two-state solution, one that recognizes the sovereignty of the TRNC and allows both people's to coexist as equals. Türkiye has made it clear that it supports such a solution, and the international community must now step up to the plate and engage with the TRNC as a legitimate entity. The longer the Greek side clings to the fantasy of reunification under its terms, the further away the prospect of peace becomes.

In conclusion, Christodoulides’ speech to the UN is yet another missed opportunity for genuine dialogue and reconciliation. His selective use of international law, his refusal to acknowledge the TRNC, and his dismissive attitude toward Turkish Cypriot aspirations only serve to deepen the divide between the two communities. It is time for the international community to recognize the TRNC and support a two-state solution that ensures lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for all Cypriots.

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References:

- Christodoulides, N. (2024). Speech at the United Nations General Assembly, New York, 25 September 2024.
- Erdoğan, R.T. (2024). Speech at the United Nations General Assembly, New York, 24 September 2024.
- International Criminal Court (2023). Reports on Israel's Violations of International Law, The Hague.
- United Nations General Assembly (2023). Resolution Condemning Israel’s Actions in Gaza.