Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of “hypocrisy of the highest form” on Wednesday, saying Turkey’s actions in Cyprus contradict the principles of international law Erdogan defended in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly.
Speaking at the 81st U.N. General Assembly in New York, Christodoulides challenged Erdogan over his remarks a day earlier. He said the Turkish leader had spoken about sovereignty, territorial integrity, illegal occupation and the plight of refugees while Turkey continued to violate those same principles in Cyprus.
Christodoulides also criticized Erdogan for repeatedly referring to the U.N. Charter without applying its principles to his country’s actions.
“Mr. Erdogan, if you want to quote from the Charter, you must first apply it,” Christodoulides said.
He argued that international law must be applied consistently, regardless of a country’s size or political influence. He said allowing violations to continue would undermine the credibility of the United Nations and the international system.
Cyprus President challenges Erdogan over hypocrisy and Turkish occupation
Christodoulides linked his criticism to Turkey’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus, saying more than a third of the island remains under Turkish occupation 52 years later. He highlighted the situation of displaced families who have been unable to return to their homes and relatives still seeking answers about missing loved ones.
He also raised the continued closure of Varosha and accused Turkey of failing to comply with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. He said the passage of time does not diminish a country’s sovereignty or territorial rights.
Turning to efforts to resolve the dispute, Christodoulides reaffirmed his commitment to reunifying Cyprus through a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in line with the U.N.-agreed framework.
He expressed readiness to resume negotiations from where they ended in 2017 and urged Erdogan to support meaningful talks. He also appealed to Turkish Cypriots to see reunification as an opportunity for shared prosperity.
Erdogan calls for recognition of Occupied Northern Cyprus
Christodoulides’ remarks followed Erdogan’s address on Tuesday, during which the Turkish leader called for international recognition of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the establishment of political, diplomatic and economic relations with it.
Erdogan also called for recognition of Turkish Cypriots’ sovereign equality and equal international status.
Beyond the Cyprus dispute, Christodoulides highlighted his country’s humanitarian efforts, including the Amalthea maritime corridor established to deliver aid to Gaza. He said Cyprus had dedicated more than 25% of its humanitarian assistance budget to Palestine.
He also highlighted Cyprus’ role in evacuating thousands of people from 70 countries during regional emergencies over the past three years.
Addressing wider international challenges, Christodoulides called for stronger multilateral cooperation, U.N. reform and greater efforts to tackle climate change. He stressed that smaller countries must have an active role in addressing global crises and defending international law.
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