Guterres: I Will Do Everything I Can to Resolve the Cyprus Problem Before My Term Ends

Speaking in an interview with NTV journalist Deniz Kilislioğlu, Guterres said the United Nations has resumed contacts aimed at finding a solution on the island.

“We are working very hard to resolve the Cyprus problem. I would not say we are close, but we have moved forward in a positive direction. Contacts have restarted. I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic, but I am determined. Until the last day of my mandate, I will do everything I can to resolve the Cyprus problem,” he said.

Addressing broader global developments, Guterres said the international system itself is not collapsing but is facing unprecedented uncertainty. He pointed to the growing number of conflicts worldwide and warned that the most dramatic aspect of the current situation is the weakening implementation of international law.

“The problem is not the rules themselves,” he said. “The issue is that some countries violate those rules while also using their veto power in the United Nations Security Council, preventing the institution responsible for guaranteeing peace and security from functioning effectively.”

Guterres also stressed the need for reforms to global institutions, arguing that the balance of power in the world has changed significantly since the end of the Second World War, when many international institutions were established.

He noted that emerging economies are increasingly influential in global affairs, citing countries such as Turkey, India, China, Brazil, and Indonesia as examples of states whose growing roles should be reflected in international governance structures.

Commenting on the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, Guterres said the war must end as soon as possible, warning that its consequences are already being felt across the global economy.

He highlighted disruptions to energy, fertilizer and food supply chains, saying the resulting economic pressures and rising inflation will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable countries and populations.

Guterres also warned that closing the Strait of Hormuz would be unacceptable under international law, stressing that freedom of navigation must be preserved because global markets depend heavily on shipments passing through the strait.

Reflecting on his time in office, Guterres described his tenure as an exceptionally difficult period marked by wars, inequality, hunger, climate challenges and rapid technological change. He urged the international community to work together to address global problems and uphold the rule of law.