Tahsin Ertugruloglu criticizes military reinforcement in the Republic of Cyprus

Tahsin Ertugruloglu, the foreign minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), has voiced strong opposition to the ongoing military reinforcement within the Republic of Cyprus. In recent interviews, Ertugruloglu argued that these military acquisitions are part of a long-standing strategy rather than a response to regional conflicts like the war involving Iran. He criticized the Greek Cypriot side and Greece for their military policies and potential NATO membership aspirations, stating these actions threaten regional stability. Ertugruloglu dismissed the notion that Turkish military presence is aggressive, labeling it a defensive deterrent. He confirmed that the deployment of Turkish F-16 fighter jets to the island serves as a signal of support for the Turkish Cypriot population. Furthermore, he reiterated his stance that a two-state solution is the only viable path for the island, effectively rejecting future reunification prospects. The Republic of Cyprus maintains that its defense policies are sovereign decisions aimed at national security.