Turkey has condemned a US decision allowing Cyprus to purchase American arms and acquire surplus military equipment, a move Washington says promotes stability in the eastern Mediterranean.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry, in a Thursday statement, condemned a US memorandum of justification that permits arms sales to Cyprus and warned that an increase in armament on the island would be “a grave mistake” amidst regional tensions.
It asked “all relevant parties” to avoid provocative steps and exercise common sense, particularly given the critical situation in the region. It called on the incoming US administration to reverse what it termed a “misguided step” by the outgoing president.
Turkey declared its continued support for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) defense capabilities, emphasizing its position as a “Motherland and Guarantor State.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey carried out a military operation in the north in response to a Greek-backed coup. More than 30,000 Turkish troops remain stationed on the island.
The intervention led to the division of the island into two parts: the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-controlled northern area. In 1983, the KKTC declared independence, but it is only recognized by Turkey.
Under Biden’s directive, Cyprus was brought under the scope of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, thus expanding significantly the US-Cyprus defense cooperation. This allows Cyprus to purchase US arms, participate in military training programs and engage in defense industry collaboration.
This decision allows Cyprus access to the Excess Defense Articles program, which means it can acquire surplus US military equipment provided to allied and friendly nations on a grant or sale basis to upgrade defense capabilities. In addition, participation in the Foreign Military Sales program allows for the purchase of defense equipment directly from the US government to address strategic interests.
Title 10 programs will also add significantly to Cyprus’ security capabilities with training and material support in land and maritime border security.
This comprehensive package reflects a deepening US-Cyprus partnership, with Washington increasingly looking at the Republic of Cyprus as a key regional ally.
The move comes after the historic White House meeting between Presidents Biden and Christodoulides in October 2023, marking further evolution in bilateral relations.
However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from Turkey and the KKTC, highlighting ongoing regional tensions over the divided status of Cyprus.
The KKTC denounced the US move with its foreign ministry calling Washington’s assertion that the move would contribute to world peace “tragicomic in the most diplomatic terms.”
In his executive action, Biden said the provision of defense articles and services to the Greek Cypriot administration “will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace.”
The Cyprus Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision as an important step toward developing defense cooperation with the United States. A government spokesperson in Nicosia said the directive represents “a clear recognition of the Republic of Cyprus as a critical pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, with further potential to contribute to peace and manage humanitarian challenges.”
In a statement on Thursday, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry cited its position as a guarantor state under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee that created Cyprus as a bicommunal independent state. Yet analysts say this position seems at odds with Turkey’s present support for a two-state solution instead of the federal structure implied in the treaty.
The ministry further said it would “continue to support the KKTC’s efforts to enhance its defense and deterrence capabilities” as a “Motherland and Guarantor State.”
But this is misleading, as Turkey’s guarantor status only extends to the Republic of Cyprus through the 1960 treaty, not to the self-proclaimed KKTC, which is recognized only by Turkey.