The Permanent Mission of Cyprus to the United Nations, in a letter dated 11 May 2026, formally rejected Turkey’s claims submitted on 16 February 2026, affirming that there is only one state in Cyprus represented by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. The mission stated the entity in the north lacks international legal personality and cannot conclude binding international agreements, adding that the geographic coordinates and maritime claims presented by Turkey have no legal basis and create no obligations for Cyprus or third states.

Cyprus recalled the illegal use of force by Turkey in 1974 and cited UN Security Council Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984) declaring the declaration of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus legally invalid. The letter rejected Turkey’s view on islands’ maritime rights under UNCLOS article 121(2), described the claimed area as excessive and violative of Cyprus’ rights, and reiterated an offer to negotiate in good faith or to refer delimitation to the International Court of Justice.