Ankara: Asks EU Members Not to Send Ships to Cyprus

Turkey has called on European Union countries to avoid sending warships to the Cyprus region, arguing that this would cause greater instability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Spokesman for the Turkish ruling coalition, Omer Celik, reiterated that Greece's militarization of the islands is a mistake, as they have a demilitarized status, and that the cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Israel destabilizes the region. Celik accused the EU of "running behind the spoiled Greek Cypriots and behind their Zionist alliances," calling on it to avoid actions that would worsen instability. Turkey expresses strong dissatisfaction with the increasing military activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and believes that Greece and Cyprus are seeking to provoke tensions in the region. This statement comes at a time of increased tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, due to developments in the Middle East and disagreements over hydrocarbon rights. Turkey has repeatedly challenged the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus in the region and has conducted military exercises near the islands and their coasts.