TRNC President Erhürman reacts to Norway's GASC decision

Norway's decision to lift the 65-year-old arms embargo on the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus (GASC) has been met with reaction in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). TRNC President Tufan Erhürman stated, "Norway's lifting of the arms embargo after 65 years adds a new one to the steps that the south of the island has been taking recently toward armament and forming military collaborations."

Stating that such initiatives will not benefit anyone, Erhürman said, "We have always said that initiatives in this direction would not be in the interest of not only Turkish Cypriots but also Greek Cypriots. It is clear that these also negatively reflect on the search for lasting stability and peace in the region."

Emphasizing in his statement that armament will not contribute to solution efforts, President Erhürman assessed, "Everyone should know that such steps, especially in this new period we are in, do not help the expectations and efforts toward creating an atmosphere of solution on the island."

TRNC President Tufan Erhürman stated that if there is sincerity in the search for a solution, it can only be possible through the strengthening of a culture of dialogue and consensus, saying, "If there is sincerity regarding the search for a solution, it must be realized that the need in this period is not more armament, but the flourishing of more dialogue and a culture of consensus."

Calling on the international community as well, President Erhürman said, "If the international community also wants to sincerely contribute to reaching a fair and lasting solution on the island, it must show sensitivity to this issue."

ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY

Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus (GASC) leader Nikos Christodoulides and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide held a phone call on Friday, and the decision to lift the embargo was announced immediately after the meeting. Christodoulides had stated, "I welcome Norway's decision to lift sanctions on the export of defense-related and dual-use military products to Cyprus. This is an important step toward strengthening our bilateral defense cooperation."

News Source: İHA