The government is taking all necessary measures and will not, under any circumstances, play Ankara’s game, said on Tuesday the Minister of Defence Christoforos Fokaides, invited to comment on the escalating tension in Cyprus` EEZ caused by Turkey.
Asked particularly to comment on statements by a Turkish Admiral that Turkish warships will apply the rules of engagement if they come upon Greek or Israeli warships in the Eastern Mediterranean, Fokaides said that “it is obvious that Turkey has chosen the path of creating tension. We are monitoring the Turkish movements but we are not going to follow them.”
“We are taking the necessary measures but we are going to play Ankara’s game, under any circumstances,” he said.
The Defence Minister said that “our policy remains firmly committed to promoting stability, security and regional cooperation within the framework of international law and coincides with the interests of the countries of the region and the common perspective of peace and prosperity for the entire region. ”
Fokaides was speaking on the sidelines of an event for Remembrance Day to commemorate the sacrifice of all those who lost their lives for freedom during the two World Wars held here today.
The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state, has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and continue to occupy 37% of its territory.
President Anastasiades decided to suspend his participation in the UN backed negotiations for a solution of the Cyprus problem, after Turkish seismic exploration vessel Barbaros entered last month Cyprus` exclusive economic zone a few days after Turkey issued an illegal maritime order (NAVTEX) for the area.