TRNC PM criticizes summit between Israel, Greece, Greek Cypriot

(MENAFN) The prime minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has expressed strong criticism of a recent trilateral summit between Israel, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot Administration, cautioning that the emerging military collaboration could heighten instability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In a written statement regarding Monday’s meeting in Jerusalem, Unal Ustel said the summit appeared to prioritize confrontation over regional peace, stability, and cooperation. He noted that the TRNC is closely observing discussions about plans to establish a joint military force.

Ustel specifically criticized proposals to create a 2,500-strong “rapid intervention force”, which he described as being framed as a deterrent against Türkiye and Turkish Cypriots. He called it “a new and dangerous threat” to the security of the region.

He further accused Israel of attempting to extend instability from the Middle East into the Eastern Mediterranean, stating: “Israel, which tramples on humanitarian values through its aggressive policies in the Middle East, is now seeking to carry this instability into the Eastern Mediterranean.” Ustel added: “Efforts to transform the region from a zone of peace into an arena of conflict threaten not only the island of Cyprus but the entire Mediterranean basin.”

The TRNC premier described Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration’s participation in what he termed a “dangerous game” as a historic miscalculation. He also alleged that while the Greek Cypriot leadership presents itself internationally as supportive of a peaceful settlement, it simultaneously pursues military alliances targeting Türkiye.

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