ISTANBUL

Türkiye condemned on Saturday a "grave mistake" by the US to lift an arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot Administration for another year.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it agreed with the Foreign Ministry of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on this matter.

"This grave mistake would lead to an arms race on the island and undermine the delicate balances in the region," said Türkiye. "In the face of the increasing armament activities of the Greek Cypriot Administration, we believe that the TRNC will take all necessary measures to increase its defense and deterrence capability.”

The Biden administration extended its decision to lift the embargo on Saturday.