Cyprus Newspaper Accuses Erdogan of Disrespecting UN and Republic of Cyprus

by · Greek City Times

A Cypriot newspaper has accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of showing contempt for the United Nations and the Republic of Cyprus after he appeared to deliberately leave the reception area as President Nikos Christodoulides arrived at the COP31 climate summit in Antalya.

In an opinion article published by Philenews on November 12, the publication described Erdogan’s conduct as a serious diplomatic blunder, arguing that his actions exposed Ankara’s refusal to recognise the Republic of Cyprus.

The incident occurred during the welcoming ceremony for world leaders attending the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), which Turkey is hosting in Antalya.

According to the publication, Erdogan temporarily left the reception area when Christodoulides arrived, leaving UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to welcome the Cypriot president.

Read more: Erdogan Leaves Room as Cyprus President Arrives at COP31 in Antalya

The article argued that the decision was not simply an insult to Christodoulides but also showed disrespect towards Guterres and the United Nations itself.

The Republic of Cyprus is a recognised member of both the United Nations and the European Union.

Cyprus challenges Turkey’s treatment of its president

The Philenews commentary argued that Erdogan’s conduct reflected Turkey’s longstanding position of refusing to recognise the Republic of Cyprus.

It also noted that Christodoulides’ name was reportedly not announced during the welcoming ceremony, adding to the diplomatic controversy.

The publication said Turkey had already been placed under scrutiny over the arrangements for the Cypriot president’s participation in COP31.

Nicosia had reportedly needed to intervene diplomatically to ensure Christodoulides received an invitation to the summit, which Turkey was obliged to extend as the host country.

The controversy also comes amid Turkey’s continued political and military presence in the northern part of Cyprus, following its 1974 invasion.

Ankara’s diplomatic approach under scrutiny

The newspaper argued that hosting a United Nations conference did not give Turkey the freedom to disregard the organisation’s diplomatic protocols or treat participating member states according to its own political preferences.

It stressed that COP31 was a United Nations conference hosted by Turkey, rather than an event belonging exclusively to Ankara.

The commentary concluded that Erdogan’s handling of the encounter had exposed Turkey’s approach towards Cyprus and raised further questions about its respect for international institutions.

The incident adds to the already strained relationship between Ankara and Nicosia, with the Cyprus issue continuing to complicate diplomatic relations between Turkey, the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus.

The assessment of Erdogan’s conduct and its diplomatic implications reflects the opinion expressed by Philenews.

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