Hasipoğlu: Christodoulides Has Handed Over the Island to British, American, and French Forces

In a written statement, Hasipoğlu commented on the discussions during the budget deliberations for the Security Forces Command, highlighting the recent political, military, and geopolitical developments around the island.

Hasipoğlu stated, “While the Greek Cypriot administration and its leader express eagerness to engage in federal negotiations with us, they have simultaneously allocated their territory to foreign military forces. South Cyprus has effectively been transformed into a major Anglo-American-NATO base. From discussing NATO membership to purchasing missile defense systems from Israel, their actions are evident.”

Referring to the 2025 South Cyprus budget, he remarked, “The Greek Cypriot administration has approved its largest defense budget in history, amounting to €588 million.”

Military Activities in South Cyprus

Highlighting recent military steps by the Greek Cypriots, Hasipoğlu said:
“For the first time, a provision was added to the U.S. defense budget in 2022, integrating South Cyprus into the military training program until 2027. American propeller aircraft are stationed at the Andreas Papandreou base, U-2A spy planes at Akrotiri, and C-130 transport planes at Larnaca Airport. U.S. warships are docked in Limassol, while a helicopter pad is being constructed in Mari as of 2023. Additionally, through defense agreements, the French and Germans have also begun military activities within South Cyprus.”

Turkey’s Guarantee: A Red Line for UBP

Hasipoğlu accused Christodoulides of “handing over the island to British, American, and French military forces” and said, “The region has become a ring of fire. However, Christodoulides' efforts to turn the island into a powder keg will remain futile as long as Motherland Turkey stands by our side. No matter how much they arm themselves, these efforts are in vain as long as the Republic of Turkey is present. This is why Turkey's active and effective guarantee is a red line for UBP.”

Call for Cooperation Between Two States

Hasipoğlu reiterated the importance of Turkey’s intervention rights and stated:
“Those advocating for a federation should remember the first point of the Guterres framework: intervention rights are unsustainable, and the presence of military forces and intervention rights must end after a certain period. For this reason, our sovereign equality and Turkey’s intervention rights are non-negotiable in any future solution. We do not want the Greek Cypriot administration to become a NATO war base, espionage hub, or training ground. Instead, we envision a future of peaceful cooperation between two states on the island.”