Taipei:United Nations Respect for international law, recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, and the stance towards Hamas were among the focal points of discussion during the General Assembly's interactive dialogue with Feridun Sinirlioglu, a candidate for UN Secretary-General nominated by Turkey. The European Union, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel raised significant questions during this session.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus posed five critical questions to Sinirlioglu, referencing a letter from May 2022 in which he allegedly claimed that the Republic of Cyprus ceased as a legal entity in 1963. Cyprus questioned if Sinirlioglu now recognizes its sovereignty and independence. Additional queries were made regarding attacks on UN peacekeepers and commitment to Security Council resolutions. On human rights, Cyprus sought clarity on Sinirlioglu's stance on allegations of torture in Turkey and freedom of expression issues.
Sinirlioglu's response emphasized adherence to the UN Charter but did not directly address specific questions from Cyprus. He linked global geopolitical changes to international disputes, underscoring the UN Charter's guiding principles. He concluded by quoting former Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld on maintaining neutrality in official duties.
The EU, represented by Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, emphasized the need for a Secretary-General committed to the UN Charter and international law, expressing concerns over maritime security and the ongoing division of Cyprus. The EU also highlighted human rights and gender equality issues within the UN system.
Israel's intervention focused on Hamas, questioning Sinirlioglu's past reluctance to condemn the organization. Sinirlioglu expressed condemnation of terrorism but conditioned his reference to Hamas on specific legal designations.
Greece challenged Sinirlioglu on the Turkey-Libya memorandum, questioning its compatibility with international law and UN principles. Greece's representative, Ambassador Aglaia Balta, criticized the memorandum's disregard for Greek islands and maritime boundaries. Sinirlioglu responded by affirming his impartiality and independence, emphasizing his previous international roles.
The dialogue highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding Cyprus, with Turkey's lack of recognition of the Republic of Cyprus remaining a significant issue. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following the Turkish invasion and occupation of part of its territory.
Source Cyprus News Agency