Northern Cyprus declared its independence in 1983 with its official name being the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). It is recognized by Turkey. With United Nations Security Council resolution 541, adopted on 18 November 1983, after reaffirming Resolution 365 (1974) and Resolution 367 (1975), the Council considered Northern Cyprus' decision to declare independence legally invalid. It called upon both parties to cooperate with the Secretary-General, and urged other Member States not to recognize Northern Cyprus, while only recognizing the Republic of Cyprus as the sole authority on the island. The resolution was adopted by 13 votes to one against (Pakistan) and one abstention from Jordan.

Relevant Court Cases

International law contains no prohibition on declarations of independence, and the recognition of a country is a political issue.

International Courts

Courts of Countries