Ankara: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar has openly criticized Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulidis over his recent remarks concerning NATO membership. Christodoulidis had stated that NATO is distinct from the European Union and suggested that Turkey would not permit arbitrary political decisions within the alliance. According to Anadolu Agency, Tatar accused Christodoulidis of attempting to create a new agenda aimed at regaining domestic public support, which he has reportedly lost. He urged the Greek Cypriot leader to "stop deceiving his own people" and to "internalize the realities on the ground." Tatar highlighted the differences between the EU and NATO accession processes, emphasizing that Greece ignored certain criteria during its EU accession. Tatar further criticized Christodoulidis for making bold statements regarding NATO, reiterating that the alliance operates differently from the EU and that Turkey would not allow for arb itrary decisions. He argued that the Greek Cypriot leader's remarks were an effort to challenge Turkey, which he described as the most crucial member of NATO. Tatar also expressed concerns that the Greek Cypriots dream of establishing the Greek National Guard as a deterrent force against Turkey. He recalled the Turkish Armed Forces' intervention in Cyprus on July 20, 1974, which he described as a day that brought peace to the island. Tatar asserted that despite the traditional Greek Cypriot mentality, the presence of the Turkish military continues to maintain peace and stability in the region.