Tatar Responds to UK's Deployment of 700 Soldiers: "This Disturbs Both Us and the Greeks"
TRNC President Ersin Tatar criticized the UK’s decision to send an additional 700 soldiers to its bases in Cyprus. He stated, "The increase in the military presence of the UK and the US in Cyprus is disturbing not only us but also the Greek Cypriots."
In remarks to AA, Tatar expressed concern over the regional implications of this deployment, particularly in light of the ongoing situation in Gaza and the risk of extensive Israeli military action in Lebanon. He suggested that the UK's troop increase could be a precaution against the potential for regional conflict.
Tatar recalled Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's comments regarding the Greek Cypriot Administration's (GCA) use of Cyprus as a base for operations in Gaza. He emphasized that the increase in British troops at their sovereign bases in Cyprus is a response to the anticipated spread of war in the region.
He reiterated that Turkey is the guarantor of all of Cyprus and condemned the transformation of the island into a foreign military base, deeming it both a violation of international agreements and unacceptable.
"Recent increases in the military presence of the UK and the US in Cyprus disturb not only us but also the Greeks, as evident from societal reactions and media reports," Tatar noted, asserting that these developments should be closely monitored in cooperation with Turkey.
Tatar also criticized the Greek Cypriot leadership for allowing Cyprus to become a military base for various countries, arguing that this undermines stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and makes the island a target for several organizations based in the Middle East. He urged the Greek Cypriot leadership to adopt a more realistic approach regarding these issues.
UK’s 700 Soldier Deployment Announcement
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated that the British government is expediting emergency plans to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon, confirming that the Ministry of Defence would send 700 soldiers to its sovereign bases in Cyprus for potential evacuations.
The UK’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later announced that 700 troops had been deployed to Cyprus to support the possible evacuation of British citizens in Lebanon.
The UK maintains two sovereign base areas in Cyprus: Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
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