Statement by the State Secretary and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Andreas S. Kakouris
High-Level Open Debate of the UN Security Council – “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes”
22 July 2025
Thank you, Mr. President.
I would like to commend the presidency of Pakistan for convening this timely and vital debate, on an
issue that lies at the heart of the United Nations. I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General for his steadfast commitment to and promotion of the principles of the UN Charter. These principles are not abstract ideals. They are obligations undertaken by all of us to uphold international law. The Secretary General’s statement earlier today was a stark reminder of the challenges that we are facing, but also a clarion call for action.
Mr. President,
I wish to also align my delegation with the statement to be delivered by the EU.
Cyprus, as a UN minded country, is a strong supporter of multilateralism.
At a moment when the multilateral system is under severe strain with both the weakening and increasing erosion of trust, and conflicts around the world are multiplying at an alarming rate and extent, we are reminded that the most sustainable form of peace is not forged through force, but through dialogue, diplomacy, and international law. That is precisely the vision laid out in Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, which outlines the means by which disputes may be settled peacefully.
These provisions represent not only a legal framework, but a moral imperative and a practical roadmap for the international community to resolve disputes without resorting to violence. Chapter VI embodies the idea that the UN is not only a forum for crisis management, but a guardian of peace through cooperation, trust-building, and principled engagement. The tools it offers are essential for preventing escalation, restoring stability, and safeguarding the sovereignty and rights of States, particularly those more vulnerable.
Mr. President,
Cyprus is a case study of both the promise and the frustration of multilateralism. For over five decades, the Republic of Cyprus has appealed to the United Nations for a peaceful resolution to the continued division of our country — a division brought about by the illegal use of force, foreign occupation, and the ongoing presence of foreign troops on our sovereign territory.
The United Nations Security Council, through a long series of resolutions — notably resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984) — has called for the respect of the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and for the withdrawal of foreign troops. Yet, these resolutions remain unimplemented, and the Cyprus issue persists.
This is not a failure of the principles enshrined in Chapter VI of the Charter, but of their inconsistent application. Selective adherence both to international law and implementation of UN Security Council resolutions undermines not only the prospects of peace in Cyprus, but the credibility of the multilateral system itself. When Security Council resolutions are disregarded without consequence, the very foundation of the rules-based international order is weakened and compromised.
Mr. President,
The Republic of Cyprus remains fully committed to a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus issue in accordance with international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions, which provide for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as defined in the parameters endorsed by this body.
We reiterate our call for the resumption of negotiations under the good offices of the Secretary-General, whose continued engagement, including last week’s broader meeting on Cyprus at the UN, is both a source of encouragement but also a clear message of the importance attached to continuing the efforts to achieve a lasting solution. We reiterate our call with renewed political will, determination and a clear commitment to the agreed UN framework. We also welcome and support the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and stress the importance of dialogue in unlocking long-standing stalemates.
Cyprus also welcomes the growing emphasis rightly given on the meaningful involvement of women and youth in peace processes, and reaffirms its support for the principles of inclusivity, dialogue, and confidence-building measures between the communities.
We look forward to the time when the Cyprus issue is not a symbol of international inertia, but a demonstration of the enduring power of multilateral diplomacy to bring about peace.
Mr. President,
Peaceful settlement is not merely the absence of armed conflict; it is the just and lasting resolution of disputes based on the rule of law, respect for human rights and respect for the sovereignty of States.
The Security Council can and must do more to uphold its own resolutions, a call that many who have spoken before me have emphasized, ensure compliance and foster an environment in which peaceful solutions are not only possible but expected. Use of the tools provided in Chapter VI can provide a path forward in even the most intractable situations.
Thank you.