Greek-Turkish Controversy Erupt Over Cyprus.

Greek Defense Minister labels Cyprus division illegal; Türkiye rebukes claims, defending military presence as peacekeeping

During a visit to Southern Cyprus on Monday, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias declared that “the division is illegal, completely contrary to international law,” and referred to Nicosia as “the last divided city, which contravenes the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

In response, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) issued a strong condemnation of Dendias’ remarks, which they described as “low-quality, full of lies and slander targeting the Turkish Cypriots and the heroic Turkish army.”

A written statement from the MSB emphasized that the Turkish army, acting under Türkiye’s “guarantor” rights from international agreements, had saved the Turkish Cypriot people from a genocide attempt by the Greek Cypriot side during 1963-1974. It emphasized the role of the Turkish military in maintaining peace since 1974, eliminating Greek putschist pressure on Greek Cypriots, and facilitating the return to democracy in Greece.

The statement further asserted: “Thanks to the Turkish military’s presence, no blood has been shed in Cyprus since 1974. Turkish soldiers will continue to be the guarantors of peace and tranquility in Cyprus. We urge the Greek Defense Minister to cease undermining the constructive stance aimed at advancing Türkiye-Greece relations. Mr. Dendias’ attempts to sow discord between the Turkish and Greek peoples for political gain will not succeed.”

Greece Respond Sarcastically

Greece responded with sarcasm: “We sincerely regret that during his recent visit to Cyprus, Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias did not thank the Turkish occupying forces for their ‘services’ in defending the principles of the United Nations Charter, the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, and the protection of human rights and democracy.”