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Türkiye’s parliamentary defense commission head Hulusi Akar warned that the militarization of the Greek Cypriot administration poses serious risks to the entire island, stressing that recent steps increase instability and tensions.
Akar, chairman of the Turkish Parliament’s National Defense Commission and an AK Party lawmaker, made the remarks during a meeting in Ankara with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ambassador Ismet Korukoglu, attended by Türkiye-TRNC Parliamentary Friendship Group head Orhan Erdem.
Responding to a question on the Greek Cypriot administration’s military buildup, Akar said, “They are taking risks. Much for defense, little for offense.”
Akar said Türkiye closely follows developments in the Middle East and expressed concern over decisions taken by the Greek Cypriot administration, particularly allowing foreign countries to establish bases on the island.
He warned that such moves risk not only the Greek Cypriot side but the security of the entire island.
Reaffirming that Cyprus is a national issue for Türkiye, Akar said Ankara will continue to support the Turkish Cypriot side in all areas and emphasized the importance of protecting their rights through peaceful means.
He stressed that Turkish Cypriots are not a minority but “the real owners of the island,” and reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to maintaining its presence within the framework of international law and good neighborly relations.
Akar also condemned remarks made during events on March 25 in Athens, saying Türkiye rejects such statements and will not engage in “baseless accusations.”
TRNC Ambassador Ismet Korukoglu said statements praising the EOKA group show that the Greek Cypriot administration’s mindset has not changed.
He said military agreements and alliances formed by the Greek Cypriot side with other countries are turning the island into a “target” and making it part of broader Middle East tensions.
Korukoglu added that the transformation of the Greek Cypriot administration into a military logistics base increases security risks and called for abandoning such policies.
“We do not prefer such an island, one that lives under a security threat,” he said.
Akar reiterated Türkiye’s position advocating for “two sovereign equal states,” emphasizing the importance of sovereign equality and equal international status for Turkish Cypriots, while criticizing some European allies for what he described as biased and one-sided approaches.
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