UN General Assembly
2024

Illegality stemming from invasion, aggression and use of force CANNOT be recognized. International law is not a la carte. Its interpretation does not change depending on who is the violator. It applies equally to all contexts, to all countries. It applies to Turkey, a country that 50 years ago, used force in violation of the UN Charter, invaded a sovereign state, and is an occupation force in Cyprus. It is an affront to this plenary to name an invasion a peace operation. Revisionism cannot change reality. Not now, not ever. To Mr. Erdogan I also say: now is the time to deliver on your proclaimed commitment to international law and to peace. No country that believes in the moral superiority of its position refuses to sit on the negotiating table. I adamantly believe that we can carve a new path, one of peace, cooperation and collaboration. We cannot change geography. It is an opportunity, not a curse. Turkey and Cyprus will always remain neighbhours.