Ozturkler Claims Israel Is Establishing Permanent Presence In South Cyprus

According to a statement issued by the Assembly, Ozturkler made the remarks during an appearance on the Sabah Postası programme broadcast by Kıbrıs Postası, where he answered questions from Gökhan Altıner.

Ozturkler also commented on the resignation of Izlem Gurcag Altugra from the National Unity Party, describing resignation as a unilateral mechanism. He wished Altugra success in her political career and said parliament would follow its routine procedures regarding the matter.

Referring to statements by a former Greek Cypriot MP alleging that numerous plots of land and residential properties in the south had been purchased by an Israeli-linked company, Ozturkler said they were closely monitoring the claims regarding land and housing acquisitions in Trozena.

“This is not the first time such reports have surfaced,” he said, adding that similar claims had repeatedly come to the fore and that “this picture shows Israel’s growing interest in the island.”

Ozturkler said criticism of the political structure in the south had intensified, claiming there were public perceptions that the administration of Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides had become confined to implementing externally dictated decisions.

“CHRISTODOULIDES IS DRAGGING THE ISLAND INTO A RING OF FIRE”

Drawing attention to allegations that Israeli-linked groups were attempting to create a permanent settlement structure in the region, Ozturkler said reactions among Greek Cypriots to such initiatives were becoming increasingly strong.

He also claimed discussions were taking place in the south about the possible deployment of individuals who had recently left military service but continued to serve Israeli interests.

Addressing the leaders of south Cyprus, Greece and Jordan, who recently met in Jordan, Ozturkler said: “Christodoulides, who is setting the region ablaze and imposing his ambitions under the appearance of dialogue with every side, is dragging the island into a ring of fire.”

Ozturkler also argued that the rise of ELAM as a key political force in the upcoming elections had become evident, claiming that Christodoulides’ rhetoric during EOKA commemorations, which he said ignored Turkish Cypriots, showed he was following ELAM’s political line.

He added that peace and security could not be achieved under the current mentality and said Turkey’s guarantor status remained “the strongest assurance” for the island’s people.

“TURKEY’S DETERRENT POWER AND GUARANTOR ROLE ARE INDISPENSABLE”

Ozturkler stated that the deepening of the naval base in Mari would allow the deployment of high-tonnage ships and submarines, while infrastructure upgrades in Paphos would accommodate fighter jets and large aircraft.

“Turkey’s deterrent power and guarantor mission are indispensable for preserving security and stability across the island,” he said.

He added that Turkey’s efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region were of great importance and voiced support for steps aimed at expanding military cooperation and infrastructure capacity.