In a letter dated 30 June 2025, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michael, denounced to the international body extensive air and sea violations against Cyprus by Turkish forces during the period July-December 2024, citing a total of “989 violations in the airspace and 45 at sea“, of which 264 were made by Turkish military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

As Ms. Michael pointed out, Turkey “also proceeded to illegally issue 5 NOTAMS and 12 NAVTEX” to conduct military exercises violating Cypriot airspace.

“These actions constitute a violation of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus and, by extension, of the United Nations Charter,” Ms. Michael stressed, noting that this behavior “undermines stability, peace and the prospects for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of the Security Council resolutions.”

Michael also denounced Turkey’s actions in the buffer zone and the enclosed area of Varosha, noting Ankara’s “disregard for international law“. He stressed that “the illegal conversion of the Famagusta enclave continues unabated” despite the provisions of Resolution 550 (1985) and the clear calls of the Security Council.

“The continued upgrading of military infrastructure in the already heavily militarized occupied areas is only one part of Turkey’s continuously aggressive behaviour in Cyprus. Such actions reveal Ankara’s intentions to perpetuate the occupation, putting at serious risk not only the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, but also the stability of the entire troubled region,” he noted.

She also stressed that Turkey is “pushing for a two-state solution while diplomatic efforts are underway to resume talks.”

“Unfortunately, this effort continues to be undermined by the Turkish side’s insistence on positions that are outside the framework of the UN parameters for the Cyprus solution. At the same time, this unacceptable attitude is increasingly manifested through provocative actions on the ground, but also through intensified efforts to upgrade the pseudo-state at the international level,” he noted.

She added that “adopting an ad hoc approach towards Security Council resolutions, Turkey calls them outdated when they do not serve its narrative, while calling on the international community to “face the reality on the ground” in an attempt to legitimize its acts of aggression.”

Ms. Michael stressed that “the Republic of Cyprus remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as provided for in the relevant Security Council resolutions, despite the obstacles placed before us by Turkey and its subordinate local administration.”

In conclusion, he stressed that the Cypriot Government “is determined to make every possible effort, in cooperation with the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations, with a view to the reunification of Cyprus and its people“.