Üstel says Greek Cypriot navy build-up undermines peace rhetoric
Oct 2, 2026 1:58 pm
Ibrar Younas
31
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel has accused the Greek Cypriot management of undermining its personal peace message by increasing navy capabilities, deepening defence cooperation with international nations and utilizing what he described as threatening language in the direction of Turkish Cypriots.
His feedback adopted statements made throughout October 1 occasions by Greek Cypriot chief Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias.
Üstel stated the mixture of navy modernisation, the presence of international navy items and more and more assertive rhetoric in the direction of Türkiye and Turkish Cypriots was making a contradiction with requires reconciliation and reunification.
“On the one hand, they talk about reunification, whereas on the opposite they speed up armament, convey international navy components to the island and use threatening language concentrating on the Turkish Cypriot folks,” Üstel stated.
He stated the October 1 navy parade, which included Greek fighter plane, Greek navy items and personnel from different nations, shouldn’t be seen in isolation.
Based on Üstel, the Greek Cypriot aspect can also be strengthening its air and maritime infrastructure and investing in new weapons methods as a part of a wider deterrence coverage.
He stated these developments would inevitably be intently watched within the north.
“The Turkish Cypriot folks will in fact not ignore the presence of Greek fighter plane, Greek navy items and international navy components, nor the strengthening of navy infrastructure and funding in new weapons methods,” he stated.
Üstel additionally reacted to feedback by Dendias highlighting new capabilities being developed by the Greek armed forces and reaffirming Greece’s assist for the Greek Cypriot aspect.
He stated such statements strengthened the Turkish Cypriot view that Türkiye’s navy presence and assure system stay central to safety within the north.
“Nobody ought to query why the efficient and precise assure of Türkiye and the presence of Turkish troops on the island are indispensable for us,” Üstel stated.
He argued that current developments demonstrated why Turkish Cypriots proceed to treat these safety preparations as important.
Üstel stated the TRNC and Türkiye weren’t in search of confrontation or territory and insisted that their said choice remained cooperation and regional stability.
“Our demand shouldn’t be battle, however cooperation; not stress, however stability,” he stated.
Nonetheless, he added that requires peace shouldn’t be interpreted as a willingness to compromise on what he described as Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and safety.
