Turkish Cyprus President denounces Greek Cyprus statements over NATO membership
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ersin Tatar made statements to the AA reporter before an informal dinner on October 15 in New York, where he will meet with Greek Cypriot Administration Leader Nikos Christodoulides under the supervision of the United Nations in Nicosia, TRNC, on Oct. 14, 2024. (AA Photo)
The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, blasted statements made by the President of the Greek Cypriot Administration, Nikos Christodoulidis, accusing him of attempting to “make a move against Türkiye, the most crucial and influential country within NATO.”
According to a written statement released by the presidency office, TRNC President Tatar condemned Christodoulidis’s words, asserting that he wants to create a new agenda to regain the public support he has lost domestically.
Tatar told Christodoulidis to “stop deceiving his own people” and “internalize the realities on the ground.”
Stating that the Greeks ignored the criteria in the EU accession process, Tatar said the NATO accession process is different and emphasized that NATO is not like the EU and that Türkiye will not allow arbitrary political decisions to be taken.
“The main purpose of Christodoulidis’ statements is an effort to move against Türkiye, the most key and important country of NATO. They dream of the Greek National Guard becoming a deterrent against Türkiye,” Tatar said.
“The Turkish Armed Forces brought peace to Cyprus on July 20, 1974. Since that happy day, despite the traditional Greek Cypriot mentality, it ensures the continuity of peace and tranquility with the presence and deterrent power of the heroic Mehmetcik,” Tatar added, referring affectionately to the Turkish army.
On Nov. 28, Nikos Christodoulidis stated that the Greek Cypriot Administration could become a NATO member once all conditions are met, noting that talks with the U.S. had taken place at three different levels.
