Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis has described the candidacy of Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu for the post of United Nations Secretary-General as a "political paradox and a profound institutional contradiction".
Speaking to CNA, Letymbiotis said Turkey's decision to put forward a candidate had been expected and argued that the move highlighted what he called Ankara's hypocrisy, a point President Nikos Christodoulides had previously raised at the UN General Assembly.
"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 organisation founded to uphold international peace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states," he said.
The spokesman also referred to what he described as 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 breaches of the rule of law and human rights.
"These elements constitute a policy that directly runs counter to the principles and mission of the Organisation," he said.
"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 added.
Commenting on the race to succeed the current UN chief, Letymbiotis said the selection process had reached an advanced stage and involved significant institutional and diplomatic considerations.
He said the Security Council would assess candidates based on their qualifications, experience and track record, while also taking into account the stance of the nominating country towards the UN Charter, international law and Security Council decisions.
Greece currently serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term and holds the council's rotating presidency in October 2026.
Source: CNA
