President Ersin Tatar has strongly criticized the Greek Cypriot leadership following the escalating regional crisis triggered by Israel’s missile strike on Iran and the subsequent retaliation.
In his statement, Tatar held the Greek Cypriot side—and particularly current leader Nikos Christodoulides—responsible for drawing the island of Cyprus into a zone of potential threat due to reckless military policies and unilateral actions.
President Ersin Tatar on Monday strongly criticized the Greek Cypriot leadership following the escalating regional crisis triggered by Israel’s missile strike on Iran.
Referring to the recent military agreements and armament activities undertaken by the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides with various countries, Tatar warned that these moves have endangered the safety of the entire island.
“I have warned him many times. I said this approach would jeopardize the island’s security,” Tatar stated.
“Today, his reckless steps have pulled the island into an indirect threat zone, not only worrying Turkish Cypriots but also the Greek Cypriot people.”
Tatar said that since the early hours of Friday, TRNC military and civil institutions have been in constant coordination, and that all necessary security measures are in effect. He assured the public that developments are being monitored moment by moment and called for calm: “Our people should rest assured.”
Calling once again on the Greek Cypriot leader, Tatar urged Christodoulides to stop acting as if the entire island is under his exclusive authority: “Stop behaving as if only the Greek Cypriot people exist on this island.”
He reaffirmed that the Turkish Cypriot people, their state, their flag, and the unwavering support of the Republic of Türkiye are firmly present.
Tatar concluded with a warning: “Security on the island cannot be achieved through unilateral actions or by ignoring one side.
It can only be established through the cooperation and mutual consent of the two equal peoples and the two separate states on the island.”
He called on the Greek Cypriot leadership to abandon dangerous provocations aimed at personal political gain and to embrace dialogue and respect.
