President on F-16s in Occupied Territories: "Turkey Will Not Cease to Be an Occupying Force"

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, commented on Turkey's decision to deploy F-16 aircraft in the occupied territories of Cyprus, describing it as a reaction to the message sent by the European Union regarding the security of Cyprus. The President emphasized that the security of Cyprus is inextricably linked to the security of the EU and that the EU has a responsibility to protect it. Mr. Christodoulides stressed that Turkey, regardless of any military move, will not cease to be an occupying force in Cyprus, reminding of the already significant military presence and equipment it has in the occupied territories. The statement was made upon his arrival at the Pan-Cypriot Lyceum in Larnaca, where he attended an event. Turkey's decision is widely seen as a move to escalate tensions in the region, following the EU's assurances of solidarity with Cyprus. Cyprus has repeatedly condemned the Turkish military presence in the occupied territories and calls for the withdrawal of Turkish troops. The President Christodoulides' statement reaffirms Cyprus's firm position on the need to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its commitment to achieving a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the decisions of the UN Security Council.