Türkiye condemns US-Greek Cyprus agreement, calls for re-evaluation
Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense’s Press and Public Relations Advisor, Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk. (Photo via Turkish MoD)
Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense has condemned the recent military agreement between the United States and the Greek Cypriot Administration, stating that it disregards the existence of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, the Ministry’s Press and Public Relations Advisor highlighted the Turkish military’s continued operations against terrorism, reporting that 1963 terrorists have been neutralized since January.
He emphasized the significance of recognizing Northern Cyprus in any solution on the island.
“We strongly condemn the ‘Defense Cooperation Roadmap’ agreement between the U.S. and Greek Cyprus. As our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also pointed out, this step undermines the U.S.’s neutral stance on the island,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The approach that overlooks the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and views the Greek Cypriot Administration as the island’s sole representative must be reconsidered.”
Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry’s statement
Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry condemned the recent signing of a roadmap for bilateral defense cooperation between the United States and the Greek Cypriot Administration on Wednesday.
In a press release, Türkiye criticized the agreement as detrimental to the security of the Turkish Cypriot side. The ministry echoed the sentiments expressed by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and voiced full support for the TRNC’s reaction to the development.
The ministry contended that the U.S. actions, including the announcement in June of a strategic dialogue with the Greek Cypriot Administration, compromise the previously neutral stance of the U.S. on the Cyprus issue.
Türkiye argues that these measures complicate efforts to achieve a fair and lasting resolution to the Cyprus conflict.
US, Greek Cypriot administration sign new defense cooperation
Celeste Wallander, the U.S. assistant secretary of defense for international Security Affairs, and Vasilis Palmas, minister of defense of the Greek Cypriot Administration, signed an agreement allegedly aimed at strengthening defense cooperation between the United States and the Greek Cypriot administration on Tuesday.
In a joint statement, both parties underscored the importance of stability and security in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, acknowledging the evolving nature of threats in the region.
