Nicosia: Turkey is the last country entitled to lecture others on peace and international stability at a time when it is flagrantly violating international law, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Sunday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Palmas made these remarks following the national memorial service in Pachyammos for those who fell in the 1964 Tylliria battles. When questioned about Turkey's recent defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and its potential effects on Cyprus, Palmas explained that, similar to the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey is seeking to establish international relations and strengthen its capabilities. He highlighted the fact that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan mentioned the agreement as a defence pact open to other countries joining.
Palmas emphasized Turkey's ongoing illegal occupation of Cyprus, which has persisted for 52 years. He stated, "Since Turkey itself is flagrantly violating international law, it is the last country entitled to lecture any other state on peace and international stability." Cyprus remains divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third.