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Turkish Troops Make Island Safer, Claims Yılmaz

Published March 5, 2026, 17:10
Turkish Troops Make Island Safer, Claims Yılmaz

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz claimed that the presence of Turkish troops in occupied Cyprus makes the island safer, during the groundbreaking ceremony of a new building complex for Altınbaş University. He dismissed the defensive actions of the Republic of Cyprus, describing them as unnecessary and dangerous to the island's security. Yılmaz reiterated Ankara's known positions, emphasizing the role of Turkey as a "guarantor power" and pledging continued support for the Turkish Cypriot side. He also referred to the development of universities in the occupied territories, which he characterized as an important sector of the economy. In addition, he announced the signing of a protocol in the field of telecommunications, as part of a broader plan to transform the occupied territories into an "information valley". According to Yılmaz, Turkey's goal is for the occupied territories to become "the shining star of the Eastern Mediterranean" through investments in education, technology and digital infrastructure. These statements come at a time of increased tension in the region and reiterate Turkey's position on Cyprus, which is not recognized by the international community.