Ankara, Turkey. Turkish AKP spokesman Omer Celik criticised Cyprus, Greece and the European Union on Tuesday over military and political developments in the wider Levant. He also commented on actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran amid rising regional tensions.
Criticism of EU and regional actors
Celik said some EU countries had announced plans to send warships or strengthen their presence in the region, and argued that the European Union had “already proven its weakness in assessing and formulating a security strategy.” He said that under current tensions, actions that may increase instability should be avoided.
Celik said Turkey, as a guarantor power, had the ability to act decisively to protect the sovereign rights and interests of the north. He criticised the deployment of a Patriot missile battery to Karpathos, describing the militarisation of Aegean islands with a civilian status as wrong. He also said cooperation between Cyprus and Israel creates conditions of instability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Comments on Iran, Israel and escalation risks
Celik described attacks on Iran as unjust and illegal, warning that aggressive measures risk escalating regional conflict. He said “a state cannot resort to murderous methods” and added that Israel’s actions “will lead to greater disasters.”
He called for negotiations and a cessation of hostilities, saying, “you cannot bomb a country because you don’t like its regime,” and stated that any attacks targeting Turkish territory would have serious consequences.
Military deployments and legal dispute
Turkey has deployed six F-16 fighter jets to the north’s Tymbou (Ercan) airport, supplementing a network of Hisar-A surface-to-air missiles as well as Bayraktar Akinci and TB2 unmanned drones. Greece deployed four F-16s to Paphos and sent two frigates, the Belhara class Kimon and Psara.
Greece has questioned the legality of Turkey’s F-16 deployment, with government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis saying it is prohibited for Turkey to use the aircraft for offensive actions outside the country, citing international law and US arms agreements.
Expanded monitoring network in the north
Ankara has expanded radar and maritime monitoring networks in the north, with stations at Karpasia, Livera and Ayios Theodoros, and a central control facility under construction in Famagusta.
How do you assess the impact of these deployments on stability in the Eastern Mediterranean?
