Turkey ‘Closely Monitoring Military Developments in Cyprus’

“We reiterate that the Greek Cypriot administration in southern Cyprus’ ongoing armament activities and the military cooperation it is developing with third countries could negatively affect the delicate balance and security environment on the island,” he said.

He added that “such steps do not contribute to building trust between the sides or to peace and stability on the island”. 

“The recent claims that the Greek Cypriot administration’s air defence systems do not pose a direct threat to the Turkish Cypriot people and the TRNC cannot justify disregarding the security, legitimate rights, and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people,” he said.

To this end, he added that “our ministry is closely monitoring all developments in the region and taking the necessary precautions”, and that “the Turkish armed forces are also continuing their training and activities without interruption in the international waters and airspace of the Mediterranean”.

“Our country, as a guarantor nation, will continue to take the necessary measures, in cooperation with the TRNC’s authorities, to protect the security, peace, and wellbeing of the Turkish Cypriot people, as it has in the past, and as it will continue to do today and in the future,” he said.