President Nikos Christodoulides said Turkey’s decision to deploy F-16 fighter jets in the occupied areas of Cyprus is a reaction to a message from the European Union that the island’s security is also the EU’s responsibility.
Speaking on Monday upon his arrival at the Pancyprian Lyceum in Larnaca to attend an event, the president was asked to comment on reports that Turkish F-16 aircraft had arrived in the occupied territories.
Christodoulides said it was obvious that the decision by the Turkish government was a response to the message sent by Europe and EU member states that Cyprus’s security is also the security of the European Union and its responsibility.
“Whatever they do, whatever they bring to Cyprus – and let me remind you that there is a significant amount of occupying troops and equipment in the occupied territories – Turkey will not cease to be an occupying power in Cyprus”, he added.
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Turkey sends six F-16s and air defence systems to occupied Cyprus
