Turkish Defense Ministry condemns Greek Cyprus archbishop’s remarks

The Turkish Ministry of Defense condemned recent comments by the archbishop of the Greek Cypriot Administration, calling them discriminatory and provocative.

The ministry linked the remarks to developments involving a newly emerging terrorist organization and criticized the rhetoric for undermining peace and dialogue on the island.

“These comments are one of the clearest manifestations of the fanatical and exclusionary mindset that has long prevented a resolution on the island,” the statement said.

“This approach, which ignores historical facts and distorts Türkiye’s presence in Cyprus, disregards international law and humanitarian values,” the statement added.

The ministry emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots are equal partners on the island and that no force can remove them. “We invite the GCASC to act with reason and contribute to a solution based on the sovereign equality of the two peoples.”

Turkish Cypriot president slams Easter remarks by Greek Cypriot leaders

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar criticized Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Hristodulidis and Archbishop Georgios for their Easter messages, which he described as hostile and provocative.

“Statements like ‘the strategy to tear down the wall of occupation’ are not calls for peace but rhetoric used to mask the crimes committed against our people and hegemonic ambitions,” said Tatar. He rejected the proposed bizonal, bicommunal federation model, claiming it has already failed.

Tatar also rebuked the archbishop’s statement urging a united Hellenic effort to expel Turks from the island. “Such language undermines any potential for mutual understanding,” he added.

Türkiye’s role in Cyprus peace process highlighted

The ministry reaffirmed Türkiye’s status as a guarantor power and warned that any actions threatening the safety of Turkish Cypriots or the peace on the island would be met with an appropriate response.

“It must be remembered that the peace on the island today is thanks to Türkiye,” the statement read.

YTB President Abdullah Eren responds to provocative statements

Abdullah Eren, head of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), also condemned the Easter statements, stating, “Türkiye will continue to protect its guarantor rights and the security of Turkish Cypriots under all circumstances.”

Eren added that the Greek Cypriot leadership and Church were “not building peace, but placing walls in front of it” and called for mutual respect and equality.

‘Eurofighter talks ongoing with UK, not Germany’

Regarding reports on Germany’s refusal to approve Eurofighter Typhoon sales to Türkiye, the Turkish Defense Ministry clarified that negotiations are ongoing with the United Kingdom, not Germany. “There has been no official negative response from UK authorities, and the process is continuing as planned,” the ministry noted.

Leaflets dropped over northern Iraq to encourage surrender

The ministry confirmed that Turkish, Kurdish, and Arabic-language leaflets were dropped over PKK shelters in northern Iraq. The operation aims to encourage lower-level terrorist members to surrender and highlight that armed struggle is not a solution.

Joint Operations Center planned in Syria

The ministry said that Syria’s resources belong to the Syrian people and confirmed that the Tishrin Dam’s transfer to the new Syrian government is being closely monitored.

A joint operations center is being planned with the participation of Türkiye, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon following a March 9 ministerial meeting hosted by Jordan.

“Technical meetings continue with relevant countries to establish the planned United Operations Center in Syria.”