Yılmaz: “Greek Cypriot Administration granting privileges to third countries at military bases poses a risk to everyone on the island.”

Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, stated that as tensions escalate in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean, the Greek Cypriot Administration’s decision to grant of usage privileges to third countries at its military bases poses a risk to everyone on the island.

Yılmaz, who arrived in the country for a one-day visit, made remarks during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel at Ercan International Airport:

“The fact that the island is being used for operations in the Middle East poses a risk to all countries in the region. The developments that have taken place this week have made this abundantly clean.

The Greek Cypriot Administration, acting as if it owns the entire island, has making decisions that exceed its authority while disregarding the will and sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot people. Its attempts to position itself amid great power rivalries, particularly through its recent military engagements and base policies, have increased security risks concerning the island.

The Greek Cypriot Administration displayed similar attitudes during the genocide in Gaza and embarked on an excessive militarization effort with Israel’s support. In this context, Türkiye’s responsibility as a guarantor and its historical obligations have become even more evident.

As the guarantor and motherland, our military presence on the island for more than half a century has contributed to the island’s overall security and stability and has served as a guarantee for peace. Not only the TRNC but also the Greek Cypriot Administration has benefited from this stability and developed in a secure environment. For more than 50 years, there has been peace and tranquility on this island. Where there is no security, there can be no development and no prosperity.”