Cyprus has reported the violations of the airspace and sea of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey during the month of September, in a letter by Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis, to UN Secretary General António Guterres.

According to a press release, the letter is dated November 8 and was circulated on November 25 as an official document of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

In his letter, Mavroyiannis attaches two documents with details of the violations of Cyprus’ national airspace and international aviation regulations, the illegal use of closed ports and airports by Turkey, and the use of the illegal airport in the Turkish-occupied part of Nicosia by Turkish commercial planes.

He points out that this insistence on violating the UN Charter, international law, and international regulations, constitutes a continuous threat to world peace and security, has a negative impact on regional stability, places international air safety in danger, causes difficulties in Cyprus’ aviation, and obstructs the creation of a favourable environment for the peace process.

Mavroyiannis notes that Turkey’s actions aim at undermining Cyprus’ sovereignty and maintaining the de fact division of the island.

In conclusion, he calls on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community to contribute towards a dialogue that would lead to the solution of the Cyprus issue.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.