TRNC Prime Minister Üstel: Armament of the Greek Cypriot Administration threatens the security of the Turkish Cypriot people

Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP) Ünal Üstel stated that the decision of the United States to extend the lifting of the arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) until September 30, 2027, is unacceptable. In a written statement, Üstel noted that the decision is a direct national security issue for the TRNC, arguing that steps facilitating the armament of Southern Cyprus negatively affect the security of the Turkish Cypriot people, the strategic balance on the island, and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Emphasizing the increase in military activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, Üstel reported that the GCA is purchasing new weapon systems, installing Israeli-made air defense systems, and developing military cooperation with Israel and France. Üstel claimed that Greece is also deploying fighter jets and military elements to Southern Cyprus, stating, "The increase in foreign military presence needs to be closely monitored in terms of security balances on the island."

Üstel argued that the Greek administration is also using the property issue as a tool of political and economic pressure, highlighting that a new power struggle is taking place in the Eastern Mediterranean regarding maritime jurisdiction areas, energy resources, and transportation routes. Üstel stated that the government is closely monitoring developments in coordination with Turkey, noting that security risks, changing military balances in the Eastern Mediterranean, the armament of the GCA, and developments in the 'Blue Homeland' are discussed in contacts with Turkey.

Üstel noted that necessary evaluations and measures have been taken for the security of the TRNC, stating, "Turkey's effective and de facto guarantee and the presence of Turkish soldiers on the island are indispensable for us. The security of the Turkish Cypriot people should be kept above daily political debates. The UBP will continue its policy on sovereign equality, Turkey's guarantorship, and the presence of Turkish soldiers on the island."