Ankara: Trkiye on Thursday criticized the United States' decision to designate the Southern Cyprus administration as eligible for arms sales and military training, labeling it a "grave mistake."

According to Anadolu Agency, Trkiye's Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, aligning with the views of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The ministry emphasized that this move would escalate armament activities on the island. It called for all parties to avoid provocative actions and act with common sense, especially during this critical period in the region.

The ministry expressed hope that the incoming US administration would reverse this "misguided step" by the outgoing president. Trkiye affirmed its commitment as a Motherland and Guarantor State to support the TRNC in bolstering its defense and deterrence capabilities.

US President Joe Biden issued a directive on Wednesday permitting the Greek Cypriot administration to purchase military equipment from the US. Last September, Trkiye had condemned the US decision to lift an arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot administration for an additional year.

Cyprus has been embroiled in a long-standing conflict between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, despite numerous UN-led diplomatic efforts for a comprehensive settlement. Ethnic tensions since the early 1960s led to Turkish Cypriots seeking refuge in enclaves. In 1974, a coup by Greek Cypriots aimed at annexing the island to Greece prompted Trkiye's military intervention to protect Turkish Cypriots, resulting in the establishment of the TRNC in 1983.

The island has witnessed intermittent peace processes, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Trkiye, Greece, and the UK. The Greek Cypriot administration joined the EU in 2004, the same year it blocked a UN plan to resolve the enduring conflict.