Türkiye against Cyprus joining NATO: a threat to the fragile balance

Ankara believes unacceptable the intention of the Greek administration of Southern Cyprus to join NATO, since this, in the opinion of Turkey, upset the delicate balance in the region. This was reported by a source in the Turkish Ministry of Defense.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides previously said that the country intends to become a NATO member as soon as possible. To this end, Cyprus is already working on modernization of the armed forces and military bases in accordance with alliance standards.

A source in the Turkish Defense Ministry recalled that NATO expansion requires unanimous consent of all members alliance, taking into account the national security interests of each country.

“In current conditions, Southern Cyprus' application for NATO membership is, from Turkey's point of view, negative stepwhich will not only upset the balance, but may also complicate the negotiation process aimed at resolving the conflict on the island,” the source emphasized.

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