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My delegation fully subscribes
to the statement of the European Union, and wishes to make some additional
remarks.
Cyprus condemns the illegal and
illegitimate holding of the so-called “referenda” in the occupied regions of
Ukraine as well as their subsequent attempted annexation by the Russian
Federation. International law is clear: First, the prohibition of the use of
force is one of the foundations of the UN Charter; boundaries cannot be
altered by any use of force. Second, an occupying power cannot gain
sovereignty of the territory it unlawfully occupies through an attempt of
unilateral secession or otherwise. Third, a referendum cannot take place
unilaterally without the consent of the government of the territorial state.
The occupying power must respect its obligations under International
Humanitarian Law, including the Hague Regulations of 1907 and Geneva
Conventions. Fourth, in no circumstances can these so called “referenda” be
considered as an exercise of a right of self-determination through remedial
secession.
Cyprus is strongly opposed to
any modification of the fundamental principle of sovereignty and territorial
integrity of states which is essential for the stability of states and for
the international relations between them. Furthermore, we reiterate that
states have a legal duty to withhold recognition of acts in violation of
norms of international law of peremptory character (jus cogens), such as the
creation of an illegal territorial situation by use of force.
International law must remain
the compass by which states are guided, and it must be applied consistently
and globally. Cyprus, as a country that remains divided for almost 50 years
as a consequence of the crime of aggression, and as a country who is fully
committed to promoting the respect for international law, adds its voice to
the international row in defence of the United Nations Charter and the rule
of law. Multilateralism, and not recourse to unilateral action, must guide
the conduct of states with a view to the maintenance of international peace
and security. We remain deeply concerned about the effectiveness of our
system of collective security, and disappointed for the fact that the UN
Security Council has failed to do everything in its power to prevent and end
the war in Ukraine. We truly believe that there is only one way out:
diplomacy, not war.
Cyprus will vote in favour of
the draft resolution under discussion entitled “Territorial Integrity of
Ukraine: Defending the Principles of the Charter of the United Nations” and
also encourages all members states to also support it. In closing, I wish to
reiterate that my country remains fully committed to the sovereignty, unity,
independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its
internationally recognized borders.
I thank you.
(MV/IK)
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