Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ünal Üstel stated that, on the one hand, the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC), which is engaged in armament efforts, makes calls for reconciliation from time to time in order to influence the world public opinion, portray themselves as so-called peaceful, and present the TRNC as if it stands against peace.
Üstel said that the statements and actions of the Greek Cypriots do not match each other.
Üstel emphasized that the armament efforts of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, following Israel's attacks on Gaza and the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, would harm stability and peace in the region.
Üstel pointed out that the TRNC acts together with the motherland Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean and displays a common stance in favor of peace and stability, and underlined that while Israel's attacks on Gaza continue in the region, they also hear about the armament efforts of the Greek Cypriots.
Üstel continued as follows:
"On the one hand, the Greeks calling for peace are, on the other hand, arming themselves. We see Israel's attacks on Palestine right next to us. There are over 21 thousand civilian casualties in these attacks. And still the world stands by and a ceasefire cannot be achieved. While all this is happening, it is known that the waters are warm as usual in the Mediterranean; Southern Cyprus, which cries for peace on the one hand, is arming itself on the other. We understand from the Greek Cypriots' arms purchase programs, defense budgets and the protocols they signed that their talk of peace is not true."