UNSC Debate Tables Turkish Occupation of Cyprus

During discussions this week, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations Nicholas Emiliou, spoke about the UN Charter mandates and human rights protocals that Turkey has continually defied. The large UNSC forum was attended by eighty member nations, along with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Emiliou stated his remorse that, "Cyprus constitutes a case in which the principles of the UN Charter are still violated as a result of the continuing Turkish occupation...begs the question to this 'august body' and to the whole of the international community, whether these principles are adhered to unreservedly and universally or they are being diluted by mere declarations of good intentions and selective application, only for the world to eventually return to an era of anarchy, double standards and the perception that might is right," according to Parikiaki.

The UN Cypriot delegate added, "Cyprus simply invokes international law and legality, because she believes that a key element of our civilisation is not primarily the pursuance of our self-interest but the support of legality. It would be more appropriate, if one said that our true collective interest is to support legality and the rule of law on the international stage."