Ustel accuses Republic of Cyprus of using regional tensions to expand defence ties

Istanbul, Turkey. The north’s ‘prime minister’, Unal Ustel, on Monday accused the Republic of Cyprus of exploiting tensions linked to the US-Israeli conflict to expand defence partnerships. He made the remarks at an iftar event in Istanbul.

Claims on defence partnerships

Ustel said the ‘government’ was using the regional security climate to expand military cooperation with foreign powers. According to reports in the Turkish press, he claimed the Republic was forming defence partnerships with countries including France, Israel and the United States to increase pressure on Turkish Cypriots.

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“The Greek Cypriot side is taking advantage of developments in the Middle East,” Ustel said, adding that the Republic had become “the spoilt child of Europe”.

Criticism of EU security role

Ustel also criticised the European Union’s security role in the region, arguing during a separate address in the north that the Turkish Cypriot side does not rely on EU guarantees.

“We do not need the protection of the European Union,” he said, adding that EU security guarantees had failed to prove effective in past international crises.

Defence of Turkey’s military presence

Ustel defended Turkey’s expanding military presence on the island, saying the deployment of Turkish fighter aircraft, naval vessels and air defence systems was justified under Ankara’s guarantor role.

He also asserted that the north is currently “one of the safest countries”, while describing the republic as increasingly concerned about regional developments.

Opposition reaction

The statements prompted criticism from opposition figures in the north who questioned the confrontational tone towards international institutions.

Sila Usar Incirli, leader of the republican Turkish party (CTP), urged the ‘administration’ to pursue diplomatic engagement instead of rhetoric directed at the EU and the UN.

How do you think leaders should balance security concerns with diplomatic engagement in times of regional tension?