Öztürkler: “Christodoulides Has No Right To Call Turkish Forces ‘Occupiers’”

Öztürkler said the Greek Cypriot leadership is following a “historically distorted, politically irresponsible and regionally destabilising” approach.

In a written statement, he argued that Christodoulides’ references to “occupation” deliberately ignore the suffering of the Turkish Cypriot people and the historical developments leading up to 1974.

He described Türkiye’s 1974 intervention as a legitimate action carried out under the Treaty of Guarantee, adding that without it, the Turkish Cypriot community “might not have survived physically to the present day.”

“Arrogance Driven By EU Presidency”

Öztürkler also criticised what he called the Greek Cypriot administration’s “sense of overconfidence” following its assumption of the EU Council presidency, arguing that Christodoulides is treating a temporary role as if it represents permanent EU leadership.

He accused the Greek Cypriot leader of attempting to use the European Union to advance domestic political aims and described this approach as reflecting a “medieval feudal mindset.”

Öztürkler further said that the Greek Cypriot leadership continues to disregard the Turkish Cypriot people and their elected institutions, which he said undermines claims of genuine willingness for a settlement.

He also referred to symbolic elements on the island, saying that the presence of the TRNC flag and visibility of state institutions serve as daily reminders of political realities.

Allegations Of Regional Alignment

Öztürkler also claimed that the Greek Cypriot leadership has increasingly aligned itself with Israel’s regional policies, arguing that it is acting as a “subordinate actor” in regional geopolitics.

He further alleged that Christodoulides is behaving as if he represents Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the region, while avoiding transparency over foreign partnerships and commitments.

“Look At Military Bases And Foreign Presence”

Responding to accusations directed at Türkiye, Öztürkler said the Greek Cypriot leadership should instead examine its own military and foreign presence arrangements.

“If he is looking for occupation, he should look at the military bases in Mari near Baf, Israeli investments across the country, and French warships entering its ports,” he said.

He argued that a leadership which, in his words, relies heavily on foreign powers cannot credibly accuse Turkish forces of occupation.

Öztürkler concluded by stating that the Turkish Cypriot people, together with Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot Security Forces Command, will continue to defend their territory and political will, stressing that no pressure or political rhetoric could weaken their determination.