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Öztürkler: Republic of Cyprus' Defense Agreements Negatively Affect Regional Balance

Published January 11, 2026, 13:10
Öztürkler: Republic of Cyprus' Defense Agreements Negatively Affect Regional Balance

Ziya Öztürkler, the “president” of the assembly of the occupied territories, stated that the Republic of Cyprus' defense agreements with Israel and Greece negatively affect the balance of power in the region. He argued that Cyprus is turning into an “arms depot” and that these agreements also involve the arrival of foreign troops for military exercises. Öztürkler emphasized the importance of Turkish guarantees and the presence of the occupying army for the “security” of Turkish Cypriots, while accusing the Republic of Cyprus of contradictory statements regarding the withdrawal of the Turkish army and the strengthening of its defense. He believes that Cyprus' military activity threatens not only Turkish Cypriots but also regional stability. Finally, referring to Cyprus' Presidency of the EU, he characterized the Republic of Cyprus as a “spoiled child of Brussels” and reiterated the demand for recognition of the pseudo-state as a “sovereign state”.