NICOS ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, said the United Nations reason for being continues to be saving humanity from the scourge of war.  That goal will only be achieved if the international community prohibits the threat or use of force and a system of collective security suppresses aggression.  At the same time, he said the United Nations is inextricably linked to the plight and aspirations of all people on Earth.  The Organization’s seventy‑fifth anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect and critique accomplishments and shortcomings.  He warned the Assembly that small States continue to be at the mercy of powerful ones, with Cyprus still suffering from the consequences of illegal Turkish occupation.  Climate change poses another existential threat, he said, calling for collective and immediate action to mitigate climate-related disasters.

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