Türkiye’s Defence Ministry has warned that any military alliance targeting the rights and interests of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has “no chance of success,” as tensions rise in the eastern Mediterranean.
On Thursday, the ministry said the Turkish Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond with “the harshest reaction” to any actions perceived as a threat to the security of Turkish Cypriots.
Greek Cypriot deal with France sparks tensions
The warning comes after France and the Greek-administered Southern Cyprus signed a defence cooperation agreement this week, allowing the deployment of French forces on Greek Cypriot territory, a move Ankara has sharply criticised.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday also cautioned against such moves that could destabilise the island, accusing outside actors of “igniting discord” in the Mediterranean.
On Wednesday, Erdogan stressed that Türkiye would deliver a “very clear and very harsh” response if its rights or those of Turkish Cypriots are threatened in the region.
Türkiye has time and again highlighted the grievances of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on different international forums, underscoring how Greece has tried to undermine the rights of Turkish Cypriots.
The issue of energy resources
Türkiye has consistently opposed Greek Cypriot gas exploration activities in the eastern Mediterranean, citing two main grounds: its continental shelf rights in the region and the protection of Turkish Cypriots’ rights over the island’s natural resources.
Ankara argues that many Greek Cypriot exploration efforts violate Türkiye’s continental shelf claims along its Mediterranean coastline.
It also maintains that such activities are conducted without consultation with Turkish Cypriots — who it describes as co-owners of the island.
Decades-long Cyprus problem
Cyprus has been mired in a decades-long dispute between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots despite a series of diplomatic efforts by the UN to achieve a comprehensive settlement.
Ethnic attacks starting in the early 1960s forced Turkish Cypriots to withdraw into enclaves for their safety.
In 1974, a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at Greece’s annexation of the island led to Türkiye’s military intervention as a guarantor power to protect Turkish Cypriots from persecution and violence. As a result, the TRNC was founded in 1983.
