Turkey's Defence Ministry issues warnings on Cyprus, Aegean and undersea cable project
Turkey's National Defence Ministry said it views arms build-up by Greek Cypriots, Greece's military presence on eastern Aegean islands, and an undersea power cable set to link Greece, Cyprus and Israel as threats to Turkey's security and maritime jurisdiction.
RastinewsTurkey's National Defence Ministry (MSB) fielded questions on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean at its weekly press briefing. The ministry argued that military cooperation by the Greek Cypriot administration could upset the island's "delicate balances."
The ministry said it was closely monitoring arms build-up and military cooperation agreements with third countries by what Turkey calls the "Greek Cypriot Administration." These steps, it said, do not help build trust between the two sides or contribute to stability on the island.
Ministry rejects "no threat" claim
The ministry also addressed statements that the Greek Cypriot air defence system poses no direct threat to Turkish Cypriots or the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Such assessments, it said, cannot justify disregarding the security of Turkish Cypriots.
The ministry said the Turkish military continues training activities in international waters and airspace in the Mediterranean. It added that Turkey, as a "guarantor state," will keep taking necessary measures alongside TRNC authorities.
Aegean islands and the cable project
The ministry noted that the demilitarized status of the eastern Aegean islands was established under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Treaty of Paris. It said arms build-up in violation of that status does not change the islands' legal standing, and called on Greece to comply with its treaty obligations.
Asked about the undersea power cable planned to connect Greece, the Greek Cypriot administration and Israel, the ministry said any cable-laying activity on Turkey's continental shelf must be coordinated with Ankara in advance. It said unauthorized activity "will not be permitted."
The ministry cited as its legal basis the maritime boundary memorandum Turkey signed with Libya, along with the continental shelf boundaries it submitted to the United Nations on March 18, 2020.
Cyprus divided since 1974
Cyprus has been de facto divided since Turkey's 1974 military intervention on the island. The TRNC, declared in the island's north in 1983, is recognized only by Turkey. The Greek Cypriot administration, an EU member, is internationally recognized as the "Republic of Cyprus" and the island's sole legitimate government.
Greece has grounded its military presence on the Aegean islands in the right of self-defence under the UN Charter. Athens and the Greek Cypriot administration have also called the 2019 maritime memorandum between Turkey and Libya a violation of international law.