Greece's recent induction as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2025-2026 term has drawn significant attention. Among its declared priorities is ensuring that the "Cyprus problem" remains a focal point on the global agenda.

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated emphatically that Greece intends to "keep the Cyprus problem on the UN’s active agenda" and push for "a just, sustainable, and workable solution within the framework of Security Council resolutions."

While such rhetoric ostensibly underscores a commitment to resolution, it raises concerns about impartiality, particularly among the Turkish Cypriot people. As Greece assumes its role, questions loom over whether its advocacy will genuinely reflect the diverse realities of the island’s divided communities or perpetuate the dominance of a singular narrative that has long marginalized Turkish Cypriots.

Historical Context: A Legacy of Division

The Cyprus issue cannot be fully understood without revisiting its tumultuous history. Following independence from British colonial rule in 1960, the Republic of Cyprus was established as a bi-communal state, with constitutional safeguards ensuring political equality between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. However, tensions escalated as Greek Cypriot leaders sought Enosis (union with Greece), undermining the delicate balance. Violence erupted in 1963, leading to what Turkish Cypriots aptly describe as an ethnic cleansing campaign against them. Thousands were displaced, villages razed, and the Turkish Cypriot community was forcibly excluded from governance.

The situation worsened in 1974 when a coup d'état by Greek Cypriot nationalists aimed at Enosis triggered Türkiye’s military intervention under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. This intervention, often misrepresented as an “invasion” in pro-Greek narratives, prevented the annexation of the island by Greece but resulted in its current division. Today, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) remains unrecognized internationally, a fact that perpetuates the isolation and marginalization of Turkish Cypriots.

Greek Involvement in the UNSC: Implications for Impartiality

Greece’s election to the UNSC brings with it significant responsibilities, not least of which is the expectation of impartiality. However, its historical and political ties to the Greek Cypriot administration cast doubt on its ability to mediate fairly. Greek officials have consistently supported the Greek Cypriot stance, emphasizing reunification under a federal model that Turkish Cypriots increasingly view as a pretext for subordinating their people.

This bias was evident in Greece’s lobbying for resolutions that ignore the realities faced by Turkish Cypriots. A notable example is UNSC Resolution 2646 (2022), which renewed the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) without consulting the TRNC. This exclusion reflects a broader trend where Turkish Cypriots are treated as mere spectators rather than equal stakeholders.

The TRNC’s President Ersin Tatar has been vocal about these disparities, stating, “The international community must recognize that any solution ignoring Turkish Cypriot sovereignty is destined to fail. Our people deserve equality and recognition.”

The Turkish Cypriot Perspective: Seeking Recognition and Equality

For Turkish Cypriots, the core issues are not merely about reunification but achieving political equality and international recognition. The unilateral recognition of the Greek Cypriot administration as the "Republic of Cyprus" has perpetuated an unjust status quo. Turkish Cypriots are excluded from international platforms, subject to economic embargoes, and deprived of their right to self-determination.

Economic isolation has stifled the TRNC’s development, despite its remarkable resilience. The community’s youth face limited opportunities, and businesses grapple with barriers to trade and travel. Turkish Cypriot leaders have repeatedly called for the lifting of these embargoes, emphasizing that international recognition would pave the way for genuine negotiations.

Dr. Kudret Özersay, former TRNC Foreign Minister, encapsulates this sentiment: “Recognition is not a privilege; it is a necessity for equitable dialogue. Without it, the negotiations are inherently flawed.”

The Role of the United Nations: A Call for Balanced Engagement

The United Nations, as the custodian of international peace and security, has a responsibility to engage equitably with all parties in Cyprus. However, its track record has been far from balanced. The UN’s repeated endorsements of resolutions favoring Greek Cypriot positions undermine its credibility as an impartial mediator.

One glaring example is the Annan Plan referendum of 2004. While 65% of Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of reunification, 76% of Greek Cypriots rejected the plan, effectively stalling progress. Despite this, the Greek Cypriot administration was rewarded with EU membership, while Turkish Cypriots were left in limbo. This contradiction has fostered deep mistrust among Turkish Cypriots toward international institutions.

The UN’s credibility hinges on addressing these imbalances. Concrete steps, such as including Turkish Cypriots in decision-making processes and acknowledging the TRNC’s legitimacy, are essential for fostering trust and ensuring fair negotiations.

TCE Conclusion

As Greece assumes its non permanent UNSC seat, it faces a pivotal opportunity to prove its commitment to impartiality and genuine conflict resolution. However, its historical alignment with the Greek Cypriot administration raises legitimate concerns about its ability to champion an equitable approach. The international community must remain vigilant, ensuring that Greek advocacy does not exacerbate existing biases.

For Turkish Cypriots, the path forward lies in unwavering advocacy for recognition, equality, and justice. The TRNC’s struggle is not merely a regional issue but a testament to the universal principles of self-determination and human rights. By amplifying Turkish Cypriot voices and challenging entrenched narratives, a just and lasting solution becomes attainable.

The stakes are high, but so is the potential for progress—if the global community chooses balance over bias.

References

1. "Greece takes UN Security Council seat, aiming to ‘keep Cyprus on the agenda,’" Cyprus Mail, January 2, 2025.
2. "UNFICYP: Background," United Nations Peacekeeping, accessed January 2025.
3. "Ersin Tatar: Turkish Cypriot Leader’s Vision for the TRNC," TRT World, November 2024.
4. "Resolution 2646 (2022): Analysis," Ministry of Foreign Affairs, TRNC.
5. "The Annan Plan Referendum and Its Aftermath," International Crisis Group, May 2004.
6. "Economic Embargoes and Their Impact on Turkish Cypriots," Center for Strategic Studies, December 2023.
7. "The Cyprus Problem: Historical Context and Future Prospects," Center for European Policy Studies, June 2024.
8. "Dr. Kudret Özersay on Recognition and Equality," Interview, Hurriyet Daily News, July 2023.
9. "UN Security Council’s Role in Cyprus: A Critical Review," Middle East Institute, August 2024.