Speaker Öztürkler: The region does not need new tensions or an arms race

The United States has extended its decision to lift the arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot administration until September 30, 2027.

The decision drew reactions from the authorities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Türkiye.

Speaker of Parliament Ziya Öztürkler said they regretted the decision.

Pointing out that the region needs dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect rather than new tensions, an arms race and policies that increase mistrust, Öztürkler said, “We believe that every decision that could affect the existing delicate balance should be evaluated from all aspects.”

Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Ziya Öztürkler issued a written statement regarding the US administration’s decision to extend for another year the lifting of the arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot administration.

Öztürkler said it was of great importance that the reality of two separate peoples, two separate democracies and two separate states on the island of Cyprus be taken into consideration in every step concerning the island.

“It is clear that approaches that disregard the rights, security concerns and sensitivities of the Turkish Cypriot people will not contribute to creating an environment for a lasting settlement on the island,” he said.

Speaker Öztürkler stressed that, particularly at a time when contacts on the Cyprus issue and efforts to establish a basis for negotiations are continuing, expanding opportunities for one side to increase its military capacity risks undermining the trust needed between the two peoples.

“A healthy dialogue on the future of Cyprus can only be possible through an approach that strengthens mutual trust, maintains the balance between the sides and respects the legitimate rights and interests of both peoples,” he said.

Referring to the Greek Cypriot administration’s increased armament activities in recent years, Öztürkler stressed that the potential negative consequences of such support should not be overlooked, not only for the island but also for the overall security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean.

“Our region does not need new tensions, an arms race or policies that increase mistrust; it needs dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect. Therefore, we believe that every decision that could affect the existing delicate balance should be evaluated from all aspects. It should not be forgotten that steps aimed at strengthening the military capacity of one side on the island will not contribute to regional peace and stability and could instead further deepen the existing atmosphere of mistrust” he said.

Öztürkler said the Turkish Cypriot people had never favoured tension.

“Our fundamental desire is to make peace, security and stability permanent on the island and in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, sustainable peace is only possible by preserving security and balance,” he said.

Öztürkler stressed that the Turkish Cypriot people, as in the past, would continue today and in the future to take all necessary steps to protect their security, sovereignty, rights and interests in full solidarity and coordination with the motherland and guarantor, the Republic of Türkiye.