22 June 2025 - War in the Middle East
The developments in the Middle East are causing concern and anxiety. The recent US attack on Iran escalates an already fragile situation and brings closer the risk of a wider conflict, with an incalculable cost in human lives.
We note the following:
No military action can be justified without a decision of the United Nations Security Council. When the UN is ignored, the international legal order is weakened and the logic of force over law is strengthened.
International law cannot be applied selectively. We condemn it when it is violated – wherever the violation comes from, whether by states, regimes, or alliances.
The European Union must assume the role of a peacemaker, not an observer. Ending the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine requires coordinated action with the participation of the United Nations. Dialogue must return to the forefront.
We support the immediate denuclearisation of the Middle East, as part of a global effort for gradual denuclearisation. The existence or threat of use of nuclear weapons, not only in our region but also more widely, is a threat to all of us, not only to those directly involved.
We call on the President of the Republic to ensure that Cyprus:
will not participate in any action that exposes the country or puts it at risk and,
will support civilians affected by the conflict.
Peace, respect for international law and human life must be non-negotiable principles. Cyprus must represent the European ethos and international law, not simply invoke them.