Ersin Tatar, the head of the self-proclaimed “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (TRNC), has issued a stark warning about the increasing Israeli presence in the southern part of Cyprus, claiming that “Israel is arming the Greek Cypriot Administration.”
In a series of interviews with Turkish and international media, Tatar argued that Tel Aviv and Athens do not want him to remain in power, asserting that his pro-Ankara stance disrupts their plans.
At the same time, Turkey is warning Greece and Cyprus of “disastrous consequences” should their deepening ties with Israel evolve into a military or strategic alliance.
“Tel Aviv and Athens do not want to see me as the head of the country,” Tatar said in an interview with the state-run Anadolu Agency on October 15.
“Because I stand firmly against them alongside Turkey. I ruin their games. Why would they want me?” he added.
Rejecting any form of federation, Tatar emphasized that a “fair and sustainable solution for Cyprus can only come through the existence of two sovereign, equal states with recognized international status.”
“The Greek Cypriots want the whole of Cyprus,” he stated.
“Our survival depends on the Turkish presence”
“A federation means sitting at the table with the Greek Cypriots and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from here. Our people must never allow that. Our entire survival depends on Turkey’s presence on the island,” said Tatar.
He cautioned his supporters: “It is not desirable for federalists to win for short-term gains. In the end, I trust my people, and they will make the right decision.”
Tatar went on to stress that “Turkish Cypriots must defend their state,” while also criticizing his rival in the October 18 elections, Tufan Erhürman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP). “The Greek Cypriot press constantly publishes reports saying, ‘Tatar will lose, Tufan Erhürman will come, and negotiations will start again,’” Tatar said.
Christodoulides’ tactics and the role of Kemalists in the pseudo-state elections
“The reason for this is that the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration, Nikos Christodoulides, wants to give his people the impression that he has forced the Turkish leadership back to the negotiating table. The other side is tired of my firm stance,” Tatar noted.
He also warned about the growing Israeli presence in southern Cyprus, reiterating that “Israel is arming the Greek Cypriot Administration.”
“The population of the Greek Cypriot Administration is concerned about these armaments,” Tatar said, adding that “the Greek Cypriot buildup has gone beyond what Christodoulides can manage.”
“Christodoulides has involved himself in major dealings. With this armament effort, he has created an impossible situation. A place whose economy depends on tourism and banking cannot sustain such a large-scale military buildup,” he added.
The delivery of Israeli Barak MX Systems considered casus belli for Turkey
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island following a coup backed by the Greek military junta.
Only Ankara recognizes the Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence (1983) in the north, where it maintains more than 35,000 troops.
In September, tensions on the island escalated with the delivery of Israeli Barak MX air-defense systems to southern Cyprus.
The development echoed the 1997 crisis, when plans to install Russian S-300 missiles in southern Cyprus provoked a showdown with Turkey, which threatened military action.
The crisis was defused only after the systems were relocated to Greece.
Shock warning from Ankara
Following the latest Barak MX deliveries, Turkish military authorities warned, according to Associated Press, that continued armament efforts on the island threaten peace and stability and may lead to “dangerous consequences.”
“Barak MX a serious threat to the entire Eastern Mediterranean”
The Barak MX is capable of intercepting a wide range of aerial threats with a range of up to 150 kilometers.
Its deployment marks a major upgrade in Cyprus’s air defense network, which until recently relied solely on Soviet-era short- and medium-range systems.
The Israeli influence in Cyprus is indeed growing, a serious provocation in the eyes of Turkey.
Nonetheless, Ankara may avoid immediate escalation for now.
This restraint is reflected in Turkey’s decision to ignore the Barak MX deployment so far.
Earlier this year, Turkey attempted to challenge Israel in Syria, but later backed off after a series of Israeli strikes on bases where Turkish forces had planned to deploy.
The upcoming elections in the occupied north may prove decisive.
A Tatar victory would likely preserve the current status quo, while his defeat could pave the way for a federal settlement on the island — potentially weakening Turkey’s position.
www.bankingnews.gr
At the same time, Turkey is warning Greece and Cyprus of “disastrous consequences” should their deepening ties with Israel evolve into a military or strategic alliance.
“Tel Aviv and Athens do not want to see me as the head of the country,” Tatar said in an interview with the state-run Anadolu Agency on October 15.
“Because I stand firmly against them alongside Turkey. I ruin their games. Why would they want me?” he added.
Rejecting any form of federation, Tatar emphasized that a “fair and sustainable solution for Cyprus can only come through the existence of two sovereign, equal states with recognized international status.”
“The Greek Cypriots want the whole of Cyprus,” he stated.
“Our survival depends on the Turkish presence”
“A federation means sitting at the table with the Greek Cypriots and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from here. Our people must never allow that. Our entire survival depends on Turkey’s presence on the island,” said Tatar.
He cautioned his supporters: “It is not desirable for federalists to win for short-term gains. In the end, I trust my people, and they will make the right decision.”
Tatar went on to stress that “Turkish Cypriots must defend their state,” while also criticizing his rival in the October 18 elections, Tufan Erhürman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP). “The Greek Cypriot press constantly publishes reports saying, ‘Tatar will lose, Tufan Erhürman will come, and negotiations will start again,’” Tatar said.
Christodoulides’ tactics and the role of Kemalists in the pseudo-state elections
“The reason for this is that the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration, Nikos Christodoulides, wants to give his people the impression that he has forced the Turkish leadership back to the negotiating table. The other side is tired of my firm stance,” Tatar noted.
He also warned about the growing Israeli presence in southern Cyprus, reiterating that “Israel is arming the Greek Cypriot Administration.”
“The population of the Greek Cypriot Administration is concerned about these armaments,” Tatar said, adding that “the Greek Cypriot buildup has gone beyond what Christodoulides can manage.”
“Christodoulides has involved himself in major dealings. With this armament effort, he has created an impossible situation. A place whose economy depends on tourism and banking cannot sustain such a large-scale military buildup,” he added.
The delivery of Israeli Barak MX Systems considered casus belli for Turkey
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island following a coup backed by the Greek military junta.
Only Ankara recognizes the Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence (1983) in the north, where it maintains more than 35,000 troops.
In September, tensions on the island escalated with the delivery of Israeli Barak MX air-defense systems to southern Cyprus.
The development echoed the 1997 crisis, when plans to install Russian S-300 missiles in southern Cyprus provoked a showdown with Turkey, which threatened military action.
The crisis was defused only after the systems were relocated to Greece.
Shock warning from Ankara
Following the latest Barak MX deliveries, Turkish military authorities warned, according to Associated Press, that continued armament efforts on the island threaten peace and stability and may lead to “dangerous consequences.”
“Barak MX a serious threat to the entire Eastern Mediterranean”
The Barak MX is capable of intercepting a wide range of aerial threats with a range of up to 150 kilometers.
Its deployment marks a major upgrade in Cyprus’s air defense network, which until recently relied solely on Soviet-era short- and medium-range systems.
The Israeli influence in Cyprus is indeed growing, a serious provocation in the eyes of Turkey.
Nonetheless, Ankara may avoid immediate escalation for now.
This restraint is reflected in Turkey’s decision to ignore the Barak MX deployment so far.
Earlier this year, Turkey attempted to challenge Israel in Syria, but later backed off after a series of Israeli strikes on bases where Turkish forces had planned to deploy.
The upcoming elections in the occupied north may prove decisive.
A Tatar victory would likely preserve the current status quo, while his defeat could pave the way for a federal settlement on the island — potentially weakening Turkey’s position.
www.bankingnews.gr
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