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Turkey’s disinformation campaigns targeting Cyprus aim to undermine the island nation’s regional standing, according to a Polish embassy official who presented findings during a media briefing in Nicosia on Wednesday.
The Polish diplomatic officer, speaking at a working lunch with journalists, detailed how both Turkey and institutions affiliated with the northern occupied territories have been systematically conducting propaganda operations designed to destabilize the Republic of Cyprus.
“They try to portray the Republic of Cyprus as a state dependent on external powers,” the official explained, outlining the multifaceted strategy behind these information warfare tactics. The campaigns reportedly seek to sow fear and mistrust among Cypriots, weaken Cyprus’s regional standing, undermine social cohesion, disrupt international relations, generate tensions with Arab and Islamic countries, and ultimately gain recognition for Turkey’s presence in the northern part of the island.
The presentation was part of a broader study examining misinformation and disinformation campaigns affecting both Poland and Cyprus, highlighting the growing challenge these tactics pose to democratic societies across Europe.
Cyprus appears particularly vulnerable to such influence operations, with the Polish official citing recent survey data indicating that over 70 percent of Cypriots primarily get their news and information from social media platforms—channels often exploited for spreading manipulated content.
The briefing highlighted “spectacular examples of anti-immigrant information on social media in Cyprus,” according to the Cyprus News Agency’s reporting of the event. Additionally, false narratives regarding the Ukraine conflict have been circulating, potentially shaping Cypriot public opinion on this critical European security issue.
Poland’s experience dealing with similar disinformation campaigns provided context for the discussion. The Polish official described how their country has recently confronted fake news operations on social media that quickly gained momentum and required coordinated responses from authorities.
The presentation underscores the growing sophistication of information warfare in the Eastern Mediterranean, where geopolitical tensions already run high. Cyprus has long been a flashpoint due to its divided status since the Turkish military intervention in 1974, which led to the establishment of a Turkish Cypriot administration in the northern part of the island—recognized only by Turkey.
Media analysts note that disinformation campaigns targeting Cyprus fit into Turkey’s broader regional strategy of expanding influence through multiple channels, including information operations alongside military positioning in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The timing of this revelation comes amid increased tensions over maritime boundaries, energy exploration rights, and the long-stalled negotiations for reunification of
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8 Comments
The Polish embassy official’s presentation provides a concerning glimpse into Turkey’s alleged propaganda tactics. Undermining regional relationships and sowing social divisions are classic disinformation playbooks. I hope Cyprus and its allies can effectively expose and neutralize these campaigns.
Fascinating look at the complex geopolitics at play. It’s concerning to see Turkey allegedly using disinformation to undermine Cyprus’s regional standing. I’m curious to learn more about the specific tactics they’re employing and the motivations behind this propaganda campaign.
Yes, the details on how Turkey is trying to sow fear, mistrust and tensions are quite alarming. Manipulating information to gain recognition for their presence in northern Cyprus is a troubling strategy.
It’s disheartening to see Turkey apparently resorting to such underhanded tactics against Cyprus. Eroding trust and international standing is a dangerous game. I’m curious to learn more about the specific evidence and analysis that went into this assessment.
Absolutely. Transparent and well-substantiated reporting on these kinds of cross-border information operations is crucial. Gaining a deeper understanding of the scope and methods used will be key to developing effective countermeasures.
This highlights the growing challenge that disinformation campaigns pose to democratic societies. It’s crucial for countries to work together to counter these tactics and protect their sovereignty. I wonder what steps Cyprus and Poland are taking to address this issue.
Agreed. Collaboration between nations is key to combating cross-border propaganda and information warfare. Transparency and fact-based reporting will be vital in pushing back against these destabilizing efforts.
The news of Turkey’s alleged propaganda campaign against Cyprus is deeply troubling. Leveraging disinformation to undermine a neighboring country’s regional standing is a serious breach of diplomatic norms. I hope Cyprus and its allies take strong action to expose and neutralize these tactics.