File photo. [AP]
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday dismissed Turkey’s deployment of six F-16 fighter jets to the occupied north of Cyprus as a reaction to statements from European Union member states emphasizing that the island’s security is a shared responsibility.
“It is clear to everyone that this decision by the Turkish government is a reaction to the message sent by Europe, by the EU member states, that the security of Cyprus is security of the EU, and it is the responsibility of the EU as well,” Christodoulides said.
“Whatever they do, whatever they bring to Cyprus – and I remind you that there is a significant number of occupation forces and equipment in the occupied areas – Turkey will not cease to be an occupying power in Cyprus,” he added.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis are expected on the island Monday to show solidarity with Cyprus. Greece has deployed two frigates patrolling the southern coast and four fighter jets. France has sent a frigate along with ground-based anti-drone and anti-missile defenses. The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is also expected in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days.
Warships from Italy, Netherlands, and Spain are also scheduled to arrive, while the UK destroyer HMS Dragon is expected later this week.