Öncü Keçeli: TRNC Capable of Ensuring Its Security with Turkey’s Support, Dependent on No One

He stated, “Let it be known that Turkish Cypriots and the TRNC, with the support of the Motherland and guarantor Turkey, are capable of safeguarding their own security and are dependent on no one else.”

Keçeli emphasized that no other actor can determine the security of Turkish Cypriots.

In a written statement regarding recent developments on the demilitarized status of the Aegean Islands, he said: “There is no disputable issue regarding the legal status of the Eastern Aegean Islands and the Dodecanese, which were placed under demilitarized status under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty.”

He added that some groups attempting to exploit regional developments are trying to undermine bilateral relations with NATO ally Greece. Keçeli noted that any actions by these groups in violation of international law are null and void, and warned against disinformation campaigns or unfounded claims made for domestic political motives.

“Even more striking is that these actors, who once sought the collective eradication of Turkish Cypriots—the co-owners of Cyprus—now claim they would protect them. Let it be clear: Turkish Cypriots and the TRNC, with the support of the Motherland and guarantor Turkey, are capable of ensuring their own security and are dependent on no one else,” he said.

The remarks come in response to statements by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, who highlighted Turkey’s significant military presence in the TRNC, suggesting that the arrival of Greek forces in the region would be an opportunity contingent on Turkish troop withdrawals.