Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar recently spoke to Sputnik News during the UN General Assembly in New York. He expressed serious worries about how the United Kingdom and the United States are using military bases in Cyprus, especially during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Tatar plans to discuss these issues with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasizing the growing military presence on the island.
Tatar stated that he finds it alarming that while there have been discussions about making Cyprus a demilitarized zone, the opposite is happening. He noted that the southern part of the island is becoming more militarized and involved in international conflicts that have nothing to do with Cyprus itself. Some groups, like Hamas, have indicated that southern Cyprus could become a target due to its increasing military activities.
The United States has recently sent dozens of military personnel to Cyprus. While officials claim these troops are there for evacuation purposes, Tatar questioned the true reasons for their presence. He stated, “All Cypriots are concerned,” highlighting the unease among locals regarding the military buildup.
Tatar is scheduled to meet with Guterres to stress that Cyprus’s President, Nikos Christodoulides, should view Northern Cyprus as an equal partner in discussions about important issues like natural resources, migration, and electricity.
The military presence in southern Cyprus has grown over the years, especially since the UK retained two Sovereign Base Areas in Akrotiri and Dhekelia after Cyprus gained independence in 1960. These bases are used for various military operations, including those related to the Gaza conflict. Tatar remarked, “They are using the British sovereign bases for every kind of reason with regard to Palestine and Gaza.”
The Turkish Cypriot leader emphasized the risks that come with this militarization, especially as tensions in the Middle East rise. He warned that any military actions in southern Cyprus could have serious consequences for the entire island. “Cyprus is a small island, and anything that happens in the south will automatically reflect in the north,” he said, expressing concern for the well-being of the people.
Tatar also mentioned that there is talk of building new ports and logistics facilities for military operations in Cyprus. He urged caution, saying, “We, Turkish Cypriots, have to be very, very careful.”
In his comments, Tatar argued that the Cyprus issue should not be the UN’s top priority while the world is dealing with more pressing crises, like the ongoing war in Gaza. He claimed that the presence of the Turkish army in Northern Cyprus has kept peace for the past 50 years, preventing conflicts and bloodshed.
As tensions continue to rise, Tatar’s warnings highlight the delicate balance in Cyprus, a divided island where history, politics, and military interests intersect. The world watches closely as Tatar prepares to address these critical issues with Guterres, hoping for a peaceful resolution amid growing concerns.
