UN General Assembly
1963

53. On the progress of decolonization, our policy has been repeatedly and fully stated in this Assembly, and it is not necessary, therefore, to elaborate on it. As one of the co-sponsors of the Declaration on colonialism, we emphatically supported on all occasions the early implementation of that Declaration in a sense of urgency and by all appropriate means under the Charter. Our attitude on problems of colonialism and independence is deeply rooted in our heritage and tradition over the millennia and in our history, both ancient and recent, which has been a continuous struggle either to retain or to regain freedom. The people of Cyprus have, therefore, a particular dedication to the principles of independence and self-determination. We firmly uphold their application under the Charter to all countries whose peoples demand it for themselves. But we would certainly not encourage it where it is used as a pretext for negative purposes in the sense of breaking up the integrity of a country or the unity of its people, as a sequel to divisive colonialist policies.