The Erdogan government and a good portion of Turkey’s press took a dim view on Thursday of the outgoing Biden administration’s decision, a day earlier, to approve Cyprus’ entry into three US defense programs, a major boost for the free part of the divided east Mediterranean island nation.

In an official reaction, the Turkish foreign ministry referred to a “grave mistake” and bemoaned what it considers as a “…decision, which will increase armament activities on the Island.”

Turkey illegally occupies 37% of the island republic’s territory, fielding a massive military presence on Cyprus ever since its invasion in the summer of 1974. In 1983, Ankara created a pseudo-state polity in the areas it occupies, the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, which is recognized only by the occupying power, i.e. Turkey.

“…We condemn the decision announced yesterday (15 January) by the USA, designating the Greek Cypriot Administration as an eligible country for arms sales and military training,” the official ministry announcement read, while referring to the EU member-state as the “Greek Cypriot Administration.”

At the same time, Turkish diplomacy looked anxiously to the upcoming Trump presidency in hopes that the decision will be reversed.

“We expect the incoming U.S. administration, which will take office shortly, to reverse this misguided step taken by the outgoing President.”

The development was greeted in similar negative fashion by the mostly pro-government press in the country.

The state-run news agency Anadolu, for instance, headlined an article with “Biden directive approves South Cyprus’ (sic) access to US military equipment.”

The pro-AKP newspaper Aksam wrote: “Scandalous decision by USA… Biden stirs arms race on Cyprus”.

Another pro-government paper, Dirilis Postasi, wrote: “Scandalous decision before he (Biden) leaves! He approved the sale of weapons to the Greek Cypriots”.

A nationalist paper, Star, wrote: “Dangerous approval by Biden.”  «Επικίνδυνη έγκριση από τον Μπάιντεν»

An Islamist-leaning and pro-government paper, Yeni Akit chimed in: «Risky decision by Biden shortly before he leaves. Tension increased on Cyprus. Turkish readiness.”

The opposition-leaning Odatv website, meanwhile, led with the headline “Trap for Turkey shortly before he (Biden) leaves.”