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Türkiye's Foreign Ministry pushed back firmly against a fresh U.S. decision to extend the suspension of its arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot Administration for another year, warning that the move risks deepening mistrust between the two peoples of Cyprus at a time when Turkish Cypriots already face mounting pressure.
The ministry said Ankara fully shares the position set out by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Ministry on the matter, in response to the U.S. move, which extends the suspension through September 30, 2027.
In its statement, the ministry did not mince words about what it described as the conduct of the Greek Cypriot side, saying it has been increasing pressure "in every field" on the Turkish Cypriot people, whom the ministry described as equal, joint owners of the island.
It linked this directly to what it called intensive Greek Cypriot armament activity that it said is damaging stability across the wider region.
Against that backdrop, the ministry said, "we once again emphasize that steps that would lead to further erosion of trust between the two sides on the island should be avoided," a pointed signal that Ankara views Washington's decision as working against, rather than supporting, reconciliation efforts on the island.
The ministry reaffirmed Türkiye's position as motherland and guarantor power for the Turkish Cypriot community, stating that it would defend the legitimate rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots while ensuring their security "under all circumstances."
It added that Ankara would continue pursuing, with determination, efforts to secure the TRNC the standing it says it deserves within the international community, a reference to the decades-long international non-recognition of the Turkish Cypriot state outside Türkiye.
The U.S. decision, issued by the State Department, amends the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to keep the arms embargo suspended for the Greek Cypriot Administration through fiscal year 2027, effective October 1, 2026.
Under the terms of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act and the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019, the suspension can only continue if the U.S. Secretary of State certifies annually that Greek Cypriot authorities are cooperating on anti-money laundering reforms and are continuing to deny Russian military vessels access to their ports for refueling and servicing.
The State Department said the Secretary of State issued that certification on July 10, 2026, allowing the policy of denial to remain suspended for a fifth consecutive year since it was first lifted in October 2022, a policy shift Ankara has consistently criticized as tilting the military balance on the divided island in favor of the Greek Cypriot side.
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