Tag: UN Security Council

  • France Positioned to Lead in Resolving Cyprus Problem, Says President Christodoulides

    France Positioned to Lead in Resolving Cyprus Problem, Says President Christodoulides

    France could and should play a leading role in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, according to President Nikos Christodoulides. In a recent interview with Le Figaro, he expressed his hopes for increased French involvement, emphasising the unique position France holds within the European Union and the United Nations.

    Christodoulides noted that France is not only an EU member but also a permanent member of the UN Security Council, making it a key player in international discussions on the matter. “Any progress must be based on UN Security Council resolutions to allow us to move forward,” he stated.

    He stressed the importance of creating conditions conducive to resuming discussions centred around a bizonal and bicommunal federation, as outlined in various UN resolutions. “I am very pleased that this point was mentioned in a joint statement last week,” he added, referring to a tripartite meeting with UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.

    During the conversation, Christodoulides articulated a vision for a reunified Cyprus, where both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots would enjoy the same rights as citizens of EU member states. He asserted, “After the Cyprus issue is resolved, the Republic of Cyprus should be a fully functioning state.” This perspective aligns with broader goals for Cyprus to strengthen its role in the region post-resolution.

    The discussion surrounding France’s potential role in resolving the Cyprus problem comes on the heels of supportive remarks from French President Emmanuel Macron. Following the signing of a strategic partnership between France and Cyprus, Macron expressed his hopes for a solution that would allow all Cypriots to live together harmoniously on a reunified island. “France strongly supports the United Nations’ mediation efforts for a just, comprehensive, and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue,” he stated.

    Macron’s commitment underscores the shared interest between Cyprus and France in fostering stability in the region. As diplomatic discussions continue, the call for deeper French involvement from President Christodoulides could pave the way for renewed efforts towards a long-awaited resolution.

  • Air space — Cyprus Highlights 328 Turkish Air Space Violations to UN Security Council

    Air space — Cyprus Highlights 328 Turkish Air Space Violations to UN Security Council

    Cyprus has reported extensive Turkish air space violations to the UN Security Council, detailing 328 air incursions and 16 naval breaches during July and August 2025.

    • Cyprus has reported extensive Turkish air space violations to the UN Security Council, detailing 328 air incursions and 16 naval breaches during July and August 2025.

    A letter from Cyprus’s Permanent Mission was circulated among council members on 8 December, revealing that among the air violations, 93 involved Turkish unmanned military aircraft, while 56 were executed by armed military fighter jets. These actions have been described by Nicosia as a clear violation of its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

    The violations extended beyond mere incursions. Cyprus asserted that Turkish forces breached its national airspace, the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR), and territorial waters. Furthermore, allegations were made regarding the illegal use of closed ports and airports by Turkish military units.

    Concerns were also raised over nearly daily entries into the designated dead zone and the bolstering of military infrastructure in occupied territories. Such practices have been characterised as part of Turkey’s persistent aggressive behaviour, aimed at establishing new faits accomplis that threaten the security of all Cypriots.

    In its communication to the UN, Cyprus emphasised that these developments undermine efforts to resume negotiations for a peaceful resolution. Despite these challenges, Cyprus reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to foster the necessary conditions for dialogue. The letter reaffirmed a desire for a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, in line with United Nations resolutions.

    The Cypriot mission has requested that the letter and accompanying documents be officially recorded as part of the 80th Session of the General Assembly under the Cyprus question and the Security Council agenda.