Türkiye deems Cyprus’ NATO accession plans unacceptable

NATO member Türkiye strongly criticized the Greek Cypriot administration's intentions to apply for NATO membership, calling the move "unacceptable."

The response came after Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides announced on November 28 that his administration plans to seek NATO membership when the right moment arrives, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

"The Greek Cypriot Administration currently has no application for membership in NATO, but even its attempt is an unacceptable development for Türkiye," Turkish Defence Ministry sources said.

In a radio interview, Christodoulides acknowledged Türkiye's opposition to the move as long as the island remains divided and Turkish Cypriots are not included in the decision-making process.

Such an attempt would "disrupt the delicate balance" on the island and "negatively affect the negotiation processes aimed at a solution," the Turkish Defence Ministry source stated.

Türkiye reminded that NATO expansion decisions require unanimous approval and must consider members' "national security concerns."

Ankara does not recognize the Greek-speaking administration in the south of the island.

Christodoulides mentioned that Cyprus is strengthening its military ties with the United States, despite Turkish objections. He added that Greek Cyprus could apply for NATO membership once its armed forces receive the necessary training and equipment from the US to meet the alliance's standards.

Cyprus remains embroiled in a long-standing dispute between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, despite numerous diplomatic efforts by the UN to find a comprehensive solution.

Türkiye serves as a guarantor country for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and firmly supports a two-state solution on the island, based on sovereign equality and equal international status for both states.

The UN is currently preparing for a potential resumption of peace talks between the two sides.

By Vafa Guliyeva