Turkey is once again voicing its outrage over Cyprus, reacting strongly to the U.S. decision to extend the lift on the arms embargo against the Republic of Cyprus. Both Turkey’s Foreign Ministry and the “pseudostate” of Northern Cyprus condemned the move, calling it a “serious mistake” that could lead to an arms race on the island and destabilize “regional security.” However, beneath Turkey’s sharp rhetoric lies a deeper issue: the long-standing, illegal Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus, which now faces increased pressure due to growing international support for the Republic of Cyprus.
What the US Decided for Cyprus
The United States decision, effective from October 1, 2024, allows Cyprus to continue strengthening its defense capabilities with American weaponry. Originally introduced in 2020 and extended over the years through the efforts of Greek-American advocates and pro-Hellenic politicians, notably under Senator Menendez, the policy aims to become permanent. This development has deeply angered Turkey, which views it as a direct threat. Ankara claims it will “upset the balance in the region,” disregarding its own illegal and permanent military presence in northern Cyprus since its invasion of the island in 1974.
Turkey also noted that the armed forces of the Turkish-occupied north will be bolstered in response.
For Cyprus, building its defense capabilities is a matter of survival against Turkish expansionism, not choice. The ongoing illegal presence of Turkish occupation troops in the north poses a constant threat to the island’s sovereignty.
Is Turkey’s Influence Waning?
Turkey’s reaction to the U.S. decision also reveals a deeper fear: that its grip on northern Cyprus is slipping. As international support for the Cypriot government grows and Cyprus strengthens ties with global and regional powers like Egypt and United States, Turkey’s influence on the island is increasingly challenged. The continued presence of Turkish forces may be in jeopardy. If Turkey genuinely seeks peace on the island, as it claims, the answer is simple: end the occupation and return to diplomacy. Until that happens, its criticisms hold little weight.
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