Turkish National Defense Ministry: “Security of TRNC is the security of Türkiye”

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) of the Republic of Türkiye has reiterated that any initiative disregarding the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people or seeking to upset the existing delicate balance on the island is unacceptable for Türkiye, stressing that: “The security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the security of Türkiye.”

The remarks were made in response to questions from journalists following the Ministry’s weekly press briefing, held at the Land Forces Command to mark the 2,235th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Land Forces.

In response to a question regarding reports in the press about a United Nations’ “Cyprus plan”, it was stated that some media outlets, citing the Greek Cypriot press, had reported that a new plan for the resolution of the Cyprus issue had been prepared by the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and would be presented for consultation with the Greek Cypriot administration and the TRNC.

The statement emphasized that a lasting, just, and sustainable solution on the island can only be achieved through a two-state solution based on the recogniton of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people. The statement included the following remarks:

“Any initiative that disregards this fundamental reality will neither reflect the will of the Turkish Cypriot people nor be able to ensure lasting stability in the region. Our country’s stance on the resolution of the Cyprus issue is clear, precise and remains unchanged. Any initiative that ignores the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people and aims to disrupt the existing delicate balance on the island is unacceptable for Türkiye. The security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the security of Türkiye. As it was yesterday, today and tomorrow, our determination to protect the security, peace and welfare of the Turkish Cypriot people remains absolute. As a guarantor state, our country will continue to be the guarantor of peace, security and stability in Cyprus within the framework of its legitimate rights and authority stemming from international agreements and international law.