IRIA News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated that his country is prepared to construct a naval base in Northern Cyprus, intensifying the already strained relations in the eastern Mediterranean. Erdogan’s remarks come as the island marks 50 years since Turkiye took control of Northern Cyprus.

“If necessary, we can construct a base and naval structures in the north,” Erdogan said, as reported by the official Anadolu news agency. His comments were made upon his return to Turkey after a visit to Northern Cyprus to commemorate the anniversary of the 1974 invasion.

Erdogan’s statements were partly a response to alleged plans by Greece to establish a naval base on the island. “We also have the sea,” Erdogan asserted, underscoring Turkey’s strategic interests in the region.

Historical context

The division of Cyprus has its roots in the complex interplay of ethnic tensions and geopolitical maneuvering. In 1974, a coup by Greek Cypriot nationalists aiming to unify Cyprus with Greece prompted Turkey to intervene militarily, citing the need to protect the Turkish Cypriot minority. This led to the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983, which remains recognized only by Turkey.

Despite numerous attempts to reconcile the divided island, including a significant effort by the United Nations in 2004, a durable solution has remained elusive. The proposed UN plan was overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots, and the island entered the European Union still bifurcated.

Current situation

Erdogan’s recent visit to Northern Cyprus included the inauguration of new political structures, such as the presidency and parliament buildings of the TRNC, further solidifying Turkey’s support for the self-declared state.

“We are constructing on the island the building of the presidency of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the parliament building. They are constructing a military base, we are building a political base,” Erdogan said, emphasizing a contrast between Turkey’s political investments and Greece’s alleged military ambitions.

Erdogan also rejected the federal model proposed by the United Nations, which envisions a reunified Cyprus with a power-sharing arrangement between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. “Frankly, we do not think it is possible to start a new negotiation process without establishing an equation whereby both parties sit down as equals and leave the table as equals,” he stated, dismissing the possibility of relaunching talks under the current framework.

In the southern part of Cyprus, which is predominantly Greek Cypriot, President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated the stance that reunification is the only viable solution for lasting peace on the island. The somber anniversary of the 1974 invasion was marked by commemorations for those who lost their lives or went missing during the conflict.

The eastern Mediterranean region, rich in hydrocarbon resources, has been a hotspot for geopolitical tensions, particularly between Turkey and Greece, both NATO members. The potential establishment of a Turkish naval base in Northern Cyprus could exacerbate these tensions, affecting not only Cyprus but also the broader region’s stability.

Erdogan’s stance has found support within Turkey, with the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Ozgur Ozel, attending the commemoration in Northern Cyprus. Erdogan highlighted this as a sign of national unity regarding Cyprus, stating that Ozel’s presence demonstrated the “unity” of Turkey’s population on the issue.

The prospect of a new naval base and the ongoing political construction projects in Northern Cyprus signal Turkey’s commitment to maintaining its influence over the region. As Greek Cypriots continue to push for reunification, the international community’s role in mediating these longstanding tensions remains crucial. With the last round of UN-backed talks collapsing in 2017, the path to a peaceful resolution seems as challenging as ever.

Erdogan’s declarations and the physical manifestations of Turkish presence in Northern Cyprus mark a significant chapter in the island’s divided history, with the potential to shape the future geopolitical landscape of the eastern Mediterranean.