Turkish Cyprus criticizes US decision to allow arms sales to Greek Cypriots

The Turkish Cyprus (TRNC) has voiced strong criticism of the United States’ decision to lift restrictions on arms sales to the Greek Cyprus, warning that the move could escalate tensions in the region.

In a written statement, the Turkish Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Following this decision by the U.S. administration, it is clear that the Greek Cypriot Administration will continue its arms race as if preparing for war.”

The ministry expressed concern over the potential destabilizing effects on the island and the broader region. Since 1987, the U.S. had maintained restrictions on arms sales to the Greek Cypriot side, a ban that was fully lifted in 2021.

US ends longstanding arms embargo

The U.S. had imposed an arms sales embargo on the Greek Cypriot Administration since 1987. However, this restriction was fully lifted in 2021, enabling the Greek Cypriot side to purchase defense equipment and services from the U.S. under a presidential determination.

President Joe Biden recently signed a decision under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, formally designating Greek Cyprus as eligible to receive U.S. defense materials and services.

A White House statement explained that the decision would “strengthen U.S. security and support world peace.”

Turkish Cyprus: Arms sales justification ‘tragically ironic’

The Turkish Cyprus Foreign Ministry criticized the rationale behind the U.S. decision, describing it as diplomatically ‘tragically ironic.’

“The claim that these arms sales contribute to world peace is far from convincing,” the statement noted, adding that the move “encourages the Greek Cypriot side’s belligerent attitude.”

The ministry called on countries supporting the Greek Cypriot Administration’s armament efforts to carefully consider the consequences of their actions, warning, “The sensitive balance on the island and in the region will be negatively affected, which serves no one’s interest.”

The United States has announced, through a Presidential Decision dated January 15, 2025, that the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus has been declared eligible under the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act and the Foreign Military Sales Act to procure defense-related services under these laws.

The United States, which lifted its arms sales restrictions on the Greek Cypriot side in 2021 after enforcing them since 1987, has been extending this decision annually.

Under these laws, the Greek Cypriot side has been deemed eligible to participate in programs such as Foreign Military Sales and Excess Defense Articles, enabling it to acquire new military equipment and munitions.

The claim by the U.S. Presidency that this decision was made to “contribute to world peace” is, to say the least, tragically ironic.

Turkish Cyprus Foreign Ministry

Concerns over regional stability

The Turkish Cyprus also dismissed Greek Cypriot claims of security threats as unconvincing.

The statement reiterated fears that the decision would exacerbate an already strained situation on the island: “It is evident that the Greek Cypriot Administration will continue its arms race as if preparing for war.”

The Greek Cypriot Administration has recently justified its peak-level armament activities in the defense and military sectors by claiming to be the “victim” on the island and alleging that it is under a security threat. However, it was the Greek Cypriot side that turned Cyprus into a bloodbath between 1963 and 1974. While the international community attempts to obscure these atrocities by labeling them as “intercommunal conflicts,” the suffering endured by the Turkish Cypriot people remains vividly etched in their collective memory.

The Turkish Armed Forces’ Peace Operation of 1974 ended the bloodshed on the island and continues to be the sole guarantor of peace and stability in the region. Therefore, the Greek Cypriot claim of facing a security threat lacks credibility.

Following this decision by the U.S. Presidency, it is evident that the Greek Cypriot Administration will continue its arms race, seemingly preparing for war.

It is deeply regrettable that our repeated warnings to all relevant parties about the dangerous situations that may arise from the Greek Cypriot side’s recent bilateral military collaborations have gone unheeded.

We once again call on the countries enabling the Greek Cypriot side’s war-mongering to act responsibly and prudently, considering the consequences of their actions. Disrupting the delicate balances on the island and in the region will serve no one’s interests.

Let there be no doubt that we will closely monitor these concerning developments and, together with the Republic of Türkiye, take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Turkish Cyprus Foreign Ministry