The Foreign Ministry on Thursday expressed grave concern over the US presidential decision to enable direct arms sales to the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA).
In a written statement, the ministry highlighted the likelihood of the Greek Cypriot side intensifying its arms race, seemingly preparing for war.
Washington’s decision, effective as of January 15, 2025, categorizes the Greek Cypriot administration as eligible for defence-related services under the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act and the Foreign Military Sales Act.
The Foreign Ministry on Thursday criticized this move, calling claims that it aims to promote “world peace” a tragic misrepresentation.
The statement pointed out that South Cyprus has consistently escalated its defence and armament activities under the guise of being a “victimized” side facing security threats.
However, it emphasized, “The Greek Cypriot administration itself was responsible for turning the island into a bloodbath between 1963 and 1974. Although these atrocities are downplayed as ‘intercommunal conflict’ by the international community, the pain remains vivid in the memory of the Turkish Cypriot people.”
The ministry reiterated that the 1974 Peace Operation carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces ended bloodshed on the island and established peace and stability, a reality that cannot be ignored.
It dismissed the GCA’s claims of facing security threats as baseless and lacking credibility.
The statement also criticized countries supporting the Greek Cypriot side’s military build-up and alliances, warning of the dangerous implications for regional stability.
“We once again call on those enabling the GCA’s war-mongering actions to act responsibly and consider the consequences of their decisions. Disrupting the delicate balance on the island and in the region serves no one’s interests,” the ministry said.
The TRNC Foreign Ministry concluded by affirming its commitment, alongside Türkiye, to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the Turkish Cypriot people.
“There should be no doubt that we will continue to safeguard the safety of the Turkish Cypriot people with the unwavering support of our motherlands Türkiye,” the statement read.