Turkish Defense Ministry slams Greek minister’s ‘scandalous’ remarks
Dendias previously sparked controversy during his visit to Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus. (AA Photo)
The Ministry of National Defense gave a harsh response to the scandalous remarks of Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias about the Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish army.
The statement read, “We strongly condemn the statement full of lies and slander. Dendias’ efforts to make a political career by sowing discord between the Turkish and Greek peoples will not yield any results.”
The statement underscored the role of the Turkish army, acting within Türkiye’s rights of guarantee under international agreements, in safeguarding the Turkish Cypriots from attempted genocide and persecution by the Greek Cypriot side between 1963 and 1974.
Affirming the Turkish Armed Forces as the guarantors of peace and stability in Cyprus, the ministry emphasized their ongoing commitment to maintaining tranquility on the island.
It also called on Dendias to refrain from undermining constructive approaches aimed at advancing positive relations between Türkiye and Greece, as outlined by the leaders of both nations.
What happened?
Dendias had previously sparked controversy during his visit to Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, stating, “We strongly condemn the celebrations of shame of Turkish Cypriots and the illegal presence of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus for half a century.”
Since 1974, Cyprus has remained divided following a military intervention by Türkiye, acting as a guarantor power, in response to a coup aimed at annexing the island to Greece. This led to the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Nov. 15, 1983. Although violence has ceased, tensions persist.
Efforts toward peace, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Türkiye, Greece, and the United Kingdom, have been intermittent.
