Nicosia:Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis has described the candidacy of Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu for the position of United Nations Secretary-General as a "political paradox and a profound institutional contradiction." He noted that Turkey's decision to put forward a candidate had been expected.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis commented that the candidacy confirmed Turkey's hypocrisy, which the President of the Republic had highlighted from the podium of the UN General Assembly. Letymbiotis stated, "It is indeed a paradox that a country which, for 52 years, has continued to illegally occupy 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, a UN member state, and disregard Security Council resolutions, should seek to lead the very organization founded to uphold international peace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states."
The spokesman also alluded to Turkey's revisionism, aggression, and violations of international law, the UN Charter, and the Law of the Sea, as well as military involvement in regional conflicts and violations of the rule of law and human rights. Letymbiotis emphasized that these actions "constitute a policy that directly runs counter to the principles and mission of the Organisation."
Letymbiotis further stressed, "You cannot seek to lead the United Nations while refusing to respect the principles on which it is founded. You cannot claim to represent international law while continuing to violate it." He referred to the advanced stage of the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General, highlighting the institutional and diplomatic considerations involved. He added that the Security Council would evaluate candidates based on their profile, qualifications, track record, and the stance of the country nominating them towards UN Charter principles, international law, and Security Council decisions.
It is noted that Greece is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term and will hold the Council's presidency in October 2026.