ANKARA – Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said Cyprus – the northern third seized by Turkey in 1974 invasions – should remain divided, not reunited, and that the United Nations must recognize the occupied side that’s isolated in the world.

“We continue our efforts to ensure that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus receives its due position on the international stage,” Guler said, referring to a self-declared republic that no country apart from Turkey accepts as legitimate.

“We have the necessary power to protect our country from those with expansionist ambitions and dirty plans,” he said, adding, “Turkey remains a bastion of stability and will prioritize security, peace and calm amidst rising tensions.”

His comments came after Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said he would accept a UN offer to bargain again, but Turkish-Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said he wasn’t invited and insisted he wants recognition and won’t talk about reunification.