Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has criticised the military alliances and defence agreements pursued by the Republic of Cyprus, describing them as an unrealistic attempt to create a military counterweight to Turkey.
In a post on social media, Erhürman referred to the broader military mobilisation currently taking place around the island, arguing that such developments could put Cyprus’ security at risk.
He also said that these developments risk placing the Turkish Cypriot community in situations to which, he argued, it has not given its consent.
Concerns over militarisation
Commenting on the broader consequences of what he described as increasing militarisation, Erhürman pointed in particular to potential impacts on tourism and the economy. Referring to concerns about the effect of regional conflicts on Cyprus’ tourism sector, as well as foreign media reports portraying the island as an unsafe destination, he said such coverage should be expected.
Erhürman cited the presence of military assets from countries including Greece, France, Italy, Spain and Netherlands, along with the British sovereign base areas and the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos. Under these conditions, he argued, international media reporting about potential risks to tourism should not be criticised.
Reference to Annan Plan debate
Erhürman also referred to an article by Niyazi Kızılyürek which cited a past speech by former Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras in the Greek parliament.
According to the reference, Samaras had stated that if the Annan Plan had been implemented, it would have been impossible for Greece to send warships and aircraft to Cyprus.
Call for regional stability
Concluding his remarks, Erhürman said Cyprus is located in a particularly vulnerable region and stressed that Turkish Cypriots do not wish to face the consequences of decisions in which they had no involvement.
He expressed hope for the immediate end of the war in the region, adding that lasting peace and stability in both the eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus cannot be achieved if the will of the Turkish Cypriot side is ignored.
Source: CNA