Strasbourg: ELAM and European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) MEP, Geadis Geadi, addressed recent threats by Turkey directed at Cyprus during the opening session of the European Parliament Plenary Session in Strasbourg on Monday. Geadi highlighted the escalating tensions and provocations by Turkey in the region.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Geadi pointed out incidents during the informal Meeting of Defence Ministers, held under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, where Turkey and the occupation authorities interfered with aircraft carrying the Defence Ministers of Greece, France, and the Netherlands. These interferences were described as harassments by Geadi, further intensifying the diplomatic strain.
Geadi underscored the severity of the situation following a military cooperation agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and France. He noted that the Turkish President issued direct threats to Cyprus, a member state, with potential invasion, asserting that the Turkish Armed Forces could deliver 'the most severe response'. Furthermore, Geadi highlighted that Turkey also threatened France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and NATO.
In his address, Geadi questioned the European Union's stance, urging for a reassessment of its tolerance towards Turkey's actions, which he described as those of a 'pirate state' and a 'war criminal state'. He stressed the need for the EU to uphold its credibility as Cyprus and France face these threats, reflecting on the broader implications for European unity and security.