Erhurman: South’s Military Alliances Risk The Island’s Security, Economy And Tourism

In a statement shared on social media, Erhurman said that for years it has been clear that military cooperation agreements pursued by the government in the south are intended to counterbalance Turkey.

He argued that such efforts are not realistic and that they endanger the security of the island and its inhabitants. Erhurman said the risks created by these policies also affect the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, even though they have emerged without the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, whom he described as one of the island’s two equal founding partners.

“This situation is neither consistent with the status on the island nor fair,” he said.

Referring to discussions about military activity on the island, Erhurman mentioned the presence of British bases as well as the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos, saying he would not speculate about the implications of related agreements.

He stressed that tourism is one of the main sources of income both in the north and the south of the island, warning that jeopardising security inevitably risks tourism and the broader economy.

Erhurman said media outlets in the south have recently been discussing the negative impact of regional tensions on tourism, while government officials have argued that foreign media portray the island as unsafe.

However, he noted that military assets from several countries are currently present in the south, including those of the United Kingdom, Greece, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, adding that public statements and welcoming ceremonies related to these deployments are widely known.

“In these circumstances, I am not sure how much foreign media can be criticised for reporting on the issue,” he said.

Erhurman added that while the region is witnessing a war that threatens not only the Middle East but the wider world, he does not prioritise economic concerns over the human cost of conflict. However, he said the ongoing debate in the south about tourism and security prompted him to address the issue.

He concluded by expressing hope that the war in the region will end as soon as possible and that fewer lives will be lost, adding that lasting peace and stability in the region are closely linked to achieving lasting peace and stability on the island of Cyprus.

Erhurman said lasting peace cannot be achieved by ignoring the Turkish Cypriot people, rejecting their equality or disregarding their political will, warning that under such conditions neither the island’s security nor the sustainable prosperity of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots can be ensured.