On the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ignited fresh tensions by announcing Turkey’s willingness to construct a naval base in the northern part of the divided island. This declaration, made during a visit to northern Cyprus, has sent shockwaves through the international community.
Erdogan, speaking to the Turkish news agency Anadolu, asserted that his country is ready to build “a base and naval structures” in the north. He further accused Greece of seeking to establish its own naval base on the island, fueling further animosity between the two nations.
The 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus led to the island’s division and the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by Turkey. Although recognized only by Ankara, the TRNC remains a contentious issue, with the international community largely recognizing the Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus as the sole legitimate government.
The 50th anniversary of the invasion has been met with mixed reactions. While Greek Cypriots mourned the losses and disappearances caused by the violence, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated the need for reunification.
However, Erdogan remains steadfast in his rejection of a federal model for reunification, as championed by the United Nations. He insists that any future negotiations must occur between equals, rejecting the existing framework. This stance further complicates the already fragile peace process on the island.
The latest round of UN-backed talks for reunification collapsed in 2017. Since then, the two sides have remained entrenched in their positions, with little progress towards a resolution.
Erdogan’s announcement about the potential naval base is seen by many as a provocative move, further undermining efforts towards reconciliation. It highlights the deep-seated divisions on the island and the ongoing struggle for control and influence.
