The recent defence agreement between the United States and South Cyprus has reignited tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, with Turkey strongly criticising Washington’s involvement. By abandoning its neutrality and aligning itself with South Cyprus, the US risks further escalating the situation on the island, undermining diplomatic efforts, and neglecting the historical rights of the Turkish Cypriot community. Despite the island’s long-standing peace, external powers like the US continue to interfere, pushing their own agendas at the expense of regional stability and unity.
Turkey’s Sharp Response to the US-South Cyprus Defence Deal
Turkey has expressed clear opposition to the new US-South Cyprus defence cooperation agreement, calling it a destabilising move that disregards efforts to maintain peace on the island. The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the agreement, stating that the US is not only abandoning its neutral stance but is also deepening divisions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
The roadmap, which outlines military priorities for the next five years between Washington and South Cyprus, has sparked concern in Ankara. Turkey views this pact as part of a broader strategy by the US to increase its influence in the region, despite the fact that the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities have lived together peacefully, particularly following Turkey’s 1974 Peace Operation.
The History of Cyprus, the 1974 Peace Operation, and Turkish Sovereignty
To understand the current situation, it is essential to recognise the historical events that led to the division of the island. In 1974, following a military coup orchestrated by Greek nationalists with the aim of uniting Cyprus with Greece, Turkey launched the Peace Operation. This military intervention was not an act of aggression but a necessary response to protect the Turkish Cypriot community from the violent and discriminatory policies that emerged during the coup.
The coup posed a direct threat to the Turkish Cypriots, who were facing the danger of an ethnic cleansing campaign. Turkey intervened to prevent a potential massacre and to secure the rights and safety of the Turkish population on the island. This operation resulted in the establishment of two separate administrations: Northern Cyprus, predominantly Turkish Cypriot, and South Cyprus, controlled by Greek Cypriots. Since then, the island has remained divided but relatively peaceful, with both communities coexisting without major conflict.
US Interference Threatens the Delicate Balance
Despite this longstanding peace, the recent US-South Cyprus defence agreement risks reigniting tensions by militarising one side of the island. The US’s growing relationship with South Cyprus has been driven by broader geopolitical goals, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, by increasing military cooperation with South Cyprus, Washington is ignoring the rights of Turkish Cypriots and pushing the region towards instability.
Turkey has consistently opposed this type of foreign interference, urging instead for diplomatic solutions that respect the historical and cultural rights of both communities. The defence agreement not only undermines Turkey’s role as a guarantor of peace but also threatens to delay any meaningful diplomatic engagement aimed at unifying the island.
Turkey’s Role as a Guarantor of Peace
Since 1974, Turkey has played a critical role as the guarantor of peace on the island, ensuring the security of Turkish Cypriots while advocating for a balanced and just resolution to the Cyprus issue. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, though only recognised by Turkey, has worked to maintain peaceful coexistence with South Cyprus. This balance has allowed both communities to live without conflict for decades, but the US’s recent military involvement risks destabilising the situation.
Turkey’s approach has always been to promote dialogue and peaceful negotiations, rather than allowing military alliances to dictate the future of the island. The US-South Cyprus defence deal flies in the face of this principle and raises concerns that the island could become further divided by foreign interests.
Foreign Powers Undermining Regional Stability
While the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities have largely managed to live in peace, foreign powers, such as the United States, are complicating this delicate situation. By deepening its military relationship with South Cyprus, Washington is effectively sidelining Turkish Cypriots and delaying any potential reunification talks.
Turkey’s Peace Operation in 1974 was a protective measure that ensured peace for both communities on the island. However, the recent actions of the US, which seem designed to serve its own strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, are threatening to disrupt this peace. The Turkish government has repeatedly warned that military solutions will only create more division and delay any hope of a diplomatic settlement.
The Need for Diplomatic Solutions, Not Military Deals
Turkey has made it clear that the only way forward for Cyprus is through diplomatic negotiations that respect the rights of both the Turkish and Greek communities. The US, by signing a defence pact with South Cyprus, is ignoring this reality and pushing the region closer to conflict. A peaceful resolution can only be achieved if foreign powers respect the history and sovereignty of both sides and refrain from militarising the conflict.
In conclusion, the US-South Cyprus defence agreement represents a dangerous move that threatens to undermine the peace that has existed on the island since Turkey’s Peace Operation. If the US truly seeks stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, it must reconsider its approach and support diplomacy rather than military partnerships. Turkey will continue to stand by the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, and any further interference will only serve to escalate tensions.
Sources: Multiple international news agencies and official statements from the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
