Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has criticised the Republic of Cyprus over its defence cooperation with third countries, arguing that military agreements with foreign powers are intended to balance Turkey's military strength and create new security risks for the island.
Speaking at the opening of the 17th Bosphorus Summit in Istanbul, Erhürman questioned the Republic's defence policy, claiming that such agreements are concluded without the consent of Turkish Cypriots and, in his view, infringe their rights.
He made particular reference to the participation of foreign military forces in a recent military ceremony in the Republic of Cyprus, specifically mentioning Israel, the United States and France.
Erhürman argued that Nicosia is seeking, through these partnerships, to establish a military counterweight to Ankara, something he said cannot be achieved.
"A futile attempt to balance Turkey militarily"
Addressing the Greek Cypriot side, Erhürman said that signing defence agreements with powerful countries would not alter the military balance in the region.
"You are signing these agreements with the aim of creating a military balance with the Republic of Turkey. You believe you can achieve that balance with big brothers standing behind you."
He continued by arguing that even the involvement of powerful international actors would not change the reality.
"Even if those so-called big brothers come there, this effort is futile. You cannot create a military balance with the Republic of Turkey. You cannot and you will not be able to."
Warnings about "big brothers"
Erhürman went on to warn that the involvement of powerful states in Cyprus-related security matters could, in his view, lead to greater dependence by the Greek Cypriot side on those countries.
"Do not forget that when these big brothers come into a geographical area, you think they will stand behind you, but they do not stay behind you. They move in front of you and you end up behind them."
He also argued that Nicosia's policy serves neither the objectives it seeks to achieve nor the island's security.
"What you are doing is neither consistent with law nor serving your purpose. These are moves that unnecessarily place this island at risk again from a security perspective."
Criticism of the UN and EU
The Turkish Cypriot leader also criticised the United Nations and the European Union, accusing both organisations of failing to respond adequately to the Republic of Cyprus' defence partnerships.
According to Erhürman, while the international community continually calls for progress towards a Cyprus settlement, it does not show the same concern regarding actions which, he argues, move the two sides further away from an agreement.
"We constantly hear the United Nations and the European Union saying that we should move towards a solution as soon as possible. Unfortunately, however, we do not hear them reacting strongly to the fact that all these actions, instead of bringing us closer to a solution, are taking us further away from it."
