Erhürman: South cannot match Turkey’s military strength

Speaking at the opening of the 17th Bosphorus Summit in İstanbul, Erhürman said the Greek Cypriot administration’s military partnerships violated Turkish Cypriot rights and risked undermining the island’s security.

“You cannot, and will not, establish a military balance with the Republic of Turkey,” he said.

Erhürman argued that the agreements were being signed without the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side, despite their potential consequences for both communities.

Referring to a recent military parade in the South, he said personnel from Israel, the United States, France and other countries had taken part.

He accused the Greek Cypriot leadership of seeking the backing of major powers in an attempt to counter Turkey’s military strength, describing the effort as futile.

Erhürman also warned that relying on powerful foreign partners could leave the Greek Cypriot side with less control over its own decisions.

“When these ‘big brothers’ come to a region, you think they will stand behind you. But they do not stay behind you; they move in front, and you fall behind,” he said.

He maintained that the South’s approach was neither legally justified nor capable of achieving its intended purpose, while exposing Cyprus to fresh security risks.

The President also criticised the United Nations and European Union, saying their calls for a Cyprus settlement were not matched by sufficient criticism of the South’s military policies.

He said the agreements and arms purchases were taking the sides further away from a solution, adding that the UN and EU had largely failed to speak out about their effect on settlement efforts.