Cyprus: UNCLOS can’t be applied selectively

MANILA, Philippines — Cyprus supports the peaceful settlement of disputes and believes that international law cannot be applied “selectively,” Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said.

The minister said Cyprus conveyed this position consistently at every appropriate opportunity and at the highest level during Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides’ address to the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September.

“Our position on the application of international law, its fundamental principles and the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) is a position of principle,” Kombos told The STAR in a recent interview.

“This position stems both from our obligations as a UN member-state and from our firm belief that international law cannot be applied selectively. The same principles must apply to all states. We firmly support the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS,” he stated.

Cyprus will sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia next month. Kombos’ visit to the Philippines reciprocated the first-ever visit to Nicosia by then foreign affairs secretary Enrique Manalo in June 2024.

Kombos said Cyprus and the Philippines share long maritime traditions and considerable accumulated experience in maritime affairs.