The Cyprus issue will feature prominently in the address by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to the UN General Assembly tonight, where he is expected to describe it as a test of the organisation's own credibility. Relations between Greece and Turkey, regional developments and artificial intelligence will also be at the centre of the speech.
Greece-Turkey dialogue and international law
According to information, Mr Mitsotakis will stress that dialogue between Greece and Turkey must continue on the basis of respect for international law and the principles of good neighbourly relations.
He is expected to underline that meaningful dialogue cannot coexist with unilateral actions that violate international legality, or with threats of war over the exercise of lawful rights under international law.
UNCLOS and the maritime zones dispute
Mr Mitsotakis is also expected to point out that the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the only institutional framework for resolving the two countries' sole long-standing dispute, concerning the delimitation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones.
The Cyprus issue
The Greek Prime Minister will place particular emphasis on Cyprus, noting that 52 years after the Turkish invasionand the continued occupation of part of the island, the issue remains a test of the credibility of the United Nations and of the implementation of its own decisions.
He will also express Greece's support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to resume meaningful negotiations aimed at reunifying Cyprus.
Greece's role in the region
Mr Mitsotakis will highlight Greece's role as a pillar of stability and a bridge between Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
He will address maritime security, energy and new connectivity infrastructure, as well as developments in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Libya, Ukraine and Sudan.
Greek economy and reforms
The Prime Minister is also expected to present the course of the Greek economy and its reforms as an example of how economic resilience strengthens a country's international standing.
He will refer to growth, investment, fiscal performance, the reduction of public debt and the digital transformation of the state, linking economic strength with defence and security.
Artificial intelligence
A substantial part of the speech will be devoted to AI. Mr Mitsotakis is expected to warn that the speed of AI development creates risks that cannot be addressed through voluntary self-regulation by the companies themselves.
He will highlight the need for a strong regulatory framework and will specifically call on the United States, where the leading AI models are being developed, to assume the responsibility that comes with its pioneering role.
He will also stress that international cooperation, including with China, is necessary to address a challenge affecting all of humanity.
Source: CNA
