AKEL on the issue of bringing a case against Turkey before the International Court of Justice
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 6th December 2019, Nicosia
International law is a powerful weapon in the struggle the Republic of Cyprus is waging to defend its sovereignty and sovereign rights against the Turkish occupation and aggression. The Republic of Cyprus has an obligation to politically, legally and diplomatically safeguard our homeland’s just cause.
As regards bringing a case against Turkey before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, it is well known that no unilateral recourse can be made. That is to say, the dispute cannot be referred to the International Court of Justice at The Hague unless Turkey consents to such an action, which however has neither accepted the general compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, nor is it expected that it will sign a special agreement with the Republic of Cyprus before the Cyprus problem is solved. At the same time, the Foreign Minister has ruled out the option of the Republic of Cyprus seeking a legal opinion from the International Court of Justice at The Hague, something which as a potential option AKEL had pointed out in writing at the National Council since 1991. This is an option that can be promoted unilaterally, provided of course it is approved by the General Assembly or the Security Council of the United Nations.
Since we are seeking a meaningful result with this initiative and not some sensationalist gesture for domestic consumption purposes, specific issues arise. The Government and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Christodoulides must clarify in a concrete manner what the sought result of the actions that have been announced is. The government and the Foreign Minister also need to provide an answer if and from where does the assessment stem from that Turkey – and indeed in the midst of escalating its aggressive actions – can accept a procedure with the Republic of Cyprus bringing a case against it before an international court and whether Turkey has conveyed any messages that it may accept something like that.
