Ertuğruloğlu: Greek Cypriot Militarisation Policy Has Put The Island At Risk

According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, Ertuğruloğlu told TRT Haber that despite living in what he described as a “ring of fire” amid escalating regional tensions, Turkish Cypriots feel safe due to the presence of the Turkish Armed Forces.

He argued that the Greek Cypriot administration’s armament policies stem from its stance toward Turkey, claiming that the Greek Cypriot side forms alliances and signs defence agreements with any actor opposing Turkey.

Ertuğruloğlu said the current developments once again demonstrate the importance of a two-state solution on the island. He stated that despite repeated warnings, the Greek Cypriot side has continued policies that raise tensions and has sought support from allies during the current crisis, which he said has effectively turned southern Cyprus into a potential target in the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The foreign minister also rejected claims that Cyprus became a military target solely due to the use of the British Sovereign Base Areas, noting that the bases have been used during previous crises as well. However, he argued that the primary factor placing the island at risk is what he described as the Greek Cypriot administration’s misguided policies.

Emphasising that the Turkish Armed Forces have ensured peace, stability and security on the island since 1974 through their deterrent presence, Ertuğruloğlu said the TRNC is not a military target for any country. He added that Turkish Cypriots have no reason to panic or feel insecure.

He acknowledged that while the TRNC is not a target, stray missiles could theoretically reach the island during regional conflicts, noting that such incidents have occurred in the past.

Ertuğruloğlu also criticised the Greek Cypriot leadership’s stance during the Crans-Montana Cyprus Talks, arguing that the negotiations collapsed due to the Greek Cypriot demand for “zero troops, zero guarantees.”

He further stressed that the presence of foreign military forces in southern Cyprus amid the ongoing crisis is unlikely to become permanent, adding that the Greek Cypriot side attempts to portray the Turkish military presence as a threat, while Turkish Cypriots view it as the guarantor of peace and security.

Finally, Ertuğruloğlu reiterated that the latest developments underline the necessity of a sovereign equality-based two-state solution, stressing that political equality alone cannot function without sovereign equality.