Thu Sep 12 05:37:00 UTC 2024: ## Turkey Condemns US-Cyprus Defense Agreement, Citing Impediment to Cyprus Peace Talks
**ISTANBUL** – Turkey has strongly condemned the recent signing of a roadmap for enhanced defense cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus. This agreement, signed on Monday in Nicosia, outlines a strategy for collaboration on international security concerns.
The Turkish foreign ministry denounced the move, claiming it is detrimental to the security of the Turkish Cypriot community and undermines the US’s supposed neutral position on the Cyprus issue. They argue that the agreement makes it more challenging to achieve a lasting and equitable settlement of the Cyprus conflict.
The statement comes amidst ongoing UN efforts to facilitate the resumption of negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. These talks have been stalled since 2017.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when a Turkish invasion followed a Greek-inspired coup. The Turkish Cypriot side, recognized only by Ankara, administers a breakaway state in the north of the island. They insist that any future peace talks must acknowledge their equal sovereignty with the Greek Cypriot government.
The Turkish government views the US-Cyprus defense agreement as a direct challenge to their interests and an obstacle to achieving a peaceful resolution of the longstanding Cyprus issue.
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