Turkey Warns Greek Cypriot Military Ties Could Threaten Island’s Security

Speaking during an interview with Anadolu Agency on Monday, Yılmaz said the involvement of military personnel from the United States, France, Britain and Egypt in the parade was a worrying development.

He accused the Greek Cypriot administration of pursuing policies that could increase tensions on the island, despite publicly expressing its commitment to peace and a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Yılmaz argued that Türkiye’s military intervention in 1974 had established stability across Cyprus, allowing both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to develop economically and politically over the past five decades.

“For more than half a century, there has been peace and security in Cyprus,” he said, maintaining that both communities had benefited from the stability established after 1974.

The Turkish Vice President was particularly critical of the Greek Cypriot administration’s growing relationship with Israel and the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He accused the Greek Cypriot leadership of cooperating with an Israeli government facing international legal proceedings over allegations of genocide, questioning how such partnerships could contribute to peace and security on the island.

Yılmaz said there was a contradiction between the Greek Cypriot leadership’s stated desire for a negotiated settlement and its efforts to strengthen military relationships with foreign powers.

He warned that such policies could expose the entire island to unnecessary security risks.

Reaffirming Ankara’s position, Yılmaz said Türkiye would continue to stand firmly behind the TRNC and defend the sovereign equality of Turkish Cypriots.

“The Republic of Türkiye is strong. It stands alongside the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and will continue to do so,” he said.

He added that Ankara saw no reason for Turkish Cypriots to be concerned about their security, insisting that Türkiye remained committed to protecting their rights and supporting their continued existence as a sovereign and equal state on the island.