Rauf Denktaş's roving ambassador claims weapons brought to Cyprus for Israel are being left on the island and distributed to Greek Cypriots

In response to a question during a television program regarding what Hezbollah's statement—that it would target Cyprus 'if the shipment of weapons/ammunition from Southern Cyprus to Israel continues'—means for the TRNC, Hüseyin Macit Yusuf drew attention to the recent increase in armament efforts by the Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cypriot Administration).

Stating that the island is being stockpiled with weapons following the US lifting its arms embargo on Southern Cyprus, Yusuf said, "The Greek Cypriots have armed civilians and even priests. Through exercises they conduct with Israel and the US, they have targeted the TRNC and Turkey." Continuing his statement, Yusuf pointed to the role played by military bases under Greek Cypriot control and spoke as follows:

 "During the attacks on Gaza, they have been shipping weapons to Israel not only from the Akrotiri Base in Southern Cyprus but also from the Andreas Papandreou Military Air Base under Greek Cypriot control. Their hands are stained with the blood of our Palestinian brothers and sisters who were brutally massacred in Gaza. Within the framework of a special agreement they made with the European Union, while some of the weapons brought to the Papandreou Air Base are sent to Israel, a significant portion remains on the island. These weapons are a threat to the Turkish Cypriot people.

"The arms traffic and military actions of the Greek Cypriot Administration are being closely monitored by Turkey. Turkey is the guarantor of the entire island and has the right to intervene against any dangers that may arise. Following the warnings made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in recent days, a panic of 'What will we do if Turkey intervenes?' has emerged within the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo. Therefore, the Greek Cypriot Administration, supported by the EU, the US, and the UK, needs to act more responsibly. The danger is great, but Turkey has taken the necessary precautions in the TRNC with the UAVs/SİHAs deployed on the island and our heroic Peace Forces."

Hüseyin Macit Yusuf continued his words as follows:

"Unfortunately, the desired steps regarding recognition are not being taken. May God be pleased with our Motherland Turkey; President Erdoğan has called for the recognition of the TRNC twice at the United Nations General Assembly. Subsequently, the TRNC was made an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States. President Ersin Tatar was most recently hosted as the President of the TRNC at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit in The Gambia and received attention. However, despite all these positive developments, the button has not yet been pressed for the de facto recognition of the TRNC.

"Even though Turkey is struggling with economic problems, it is an important power in the world. Alongside Islamic countries and Turkic States, there are friendly countries, especially on the African continent. Turkish Airlines plays an important role in the opening of many African countries to the outside world. Erdoğan has close friendships and collaborations with many African leaders. Therefore, if Turkey intends it, the TRNC will be recognized by many countries. Brotherly Pakistan is ready, Iran is ready; Venezuela, Abkhazia, Mali, Bangladesh, and many other countries will recognize the TRNC if requested."

Pointing out that, under the instructions of Rauf Denktaş, he has held meetings with dignitaries from many countries as a roving ambassador alongside Vatan Party Chairman Doğu Perinçek, Yusuf said, "There are countries ready to recognize the TRNC. The international conjuncture is suitable for this. I am calling out to our President Erdoğan from here; follow through on your calls for recognition and your other initiatives, and ensure the recognition of the TRNC as soon as possible."

Yusuf also answered the question of what his final message would be on the program as follows:

"The will and demand of the Turkish Cypriot people is to protect our state. President Tatar should completely abandon the ineffective UN processes, free himself from the chains of the UN, and focus on recognition. The so-called '3Ds'—'direct flights, direct trade, direct contact'—are a deviation from the goal of recognition.

If recognition is achieved, all of these will happen anyway. If necessary, Turkey should allocate a plane to Tatar for recognition efforts. It is not possible to promote the TRNC by sitting in Sarayönü. A diplomatic mobilization should be declared in the TRNC, and the focus should be entirely on recognition. This is the most correct path for the Turkish Cypriot people."

News Source: 12punto