Ankara, Turkey. Turkey said it will not hesitate to act against hostile attitudes threatening the security of Turkish Cypriots as the regional conflict widens, according to a defence ministry spokesman.
Turkey statement on guarantor status
Defence ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk said on Thursday that Turkey remains “by the side of and a supporter of the TRNC.” He added that Turkey “will not hesitate to use the powers granted to us by our guarantor status against hostile attitudes which threaten the security of the Turkish Cypriots,” speaking at a press conference.
Developments involving Greece and Cyprus
Akturk said earlier in the same press conference that a delegation from the Greek air force will visit Turkey next Monday “within the framework of bilateral relations and regional developments,” describing it as a “confidence-building measure.”
The planned visit comes after the Greek air force stationed four F-16 fighter jets in Paphos on Monday. Greece also sent two frigates to Cyprus, including the Kimon, which Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described on Wednesday as the “pride of the Greek fleet,” following the firing of an Iranian-made drone at the island on Monday.
Greek response on Turkey’s presence
Greece’s Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, asked about Turkey’s presence in the region and in Cyprus after the deployments, said that “Turkey understands the need that Greece has to defend its territory.”
He said the presence of Greek planes and ships is “to protect the entire population of Cyprus,” adding, “We offer a comprehensive service.”
Reports of further military activity and attacks
On Wednesday, Turkey’s defence ministry indicated it may be bolstering its own military presence in Cyprus, posting a photograph of Turkish soldiers arriving at the north’s Ercan (Tymbou) airport to social media.
The comments from Akturk were reported as coming after an incident in which Iran fired a drone at Cyprus’ British Akrotiri air force base on Monday. Turkey was also targeted on Tuesday by a ballistic missile fired from Iran, according to the report.
How do you think the latest military movements around Cyprus will affect regional security?
