Dialogos

Ömer Çelik: Cyprus Issue 'Cannot Be Solved with Arms Race'

Published February 9, 2026, 17:03
Ömer Çelik: Cyprus Issue 'Cannot Be Solved with Arms Race'

Ömer Çelik, spokesperson for Turkey's ruling AK Party, stated that the Cyprus issue cannot be resolved through an arms race or by turning the region into a military outpost for third countries. He argued that the Greek Cypriot side should resolve issues at the negotiating table and avoid attracting foreign powers and engaging in an arms race. Çelik emphasized the need to respect the rights and sovereignty of Turkish Cypriots and reiterated Turkey's preference for a diplomatic solution to the Cyprus issue. He viewed the upcoming visit of the Greek Prime Minister to Ankara as an opportunity to strengthen diplomacy and resolve problems through dialogue, while criticizing Greece for moves that, according to Çelik, target Turkey.