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Turkey condemned the signing of a roadmap this week to enhance U.S.-Cyprus defense cooperation, citing concerns about the impact on peace efforts and regional security.
According to a Reuters' report, the Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized the U.S. steps, including June's announcement of a strategic dialogue with Cyprus, as harmful to the security of Turkish Cypriots. "These actions undermine the U.S.'s neutral stance on Cyprus and complicate efforts for a fair, lasting, and sustainable settlement," the ministry said in a statement Wednesday.
The signing of the defense cooperation roadmap between the U.S. and the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus took place Monday in Nicosia. The countries' defense ministries reiterated their commitment to addressing international security issues through this roadmap.
The move comes as the United Nations seeks to revive stalled negotiations between the rival Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. Cyprus has been divided since a 1974 Turkish invasion following a brief Greek-inspired coup. Peace talks have been frozen since 2017.
Turkish Cypriots, who run a breakaway state in northern Cyprus recognized only by Turkey, insist that any renewed talks must acknowledge their equal sovereignty with the Greek Cypriot government.
Cyprus, a former British colony, hosts two UK military bases and is one of four EU nations not in NATO. It also does not participate in NATO's Partnership for Peace program.
[Information sourced from Reuters]
