Nicosia: Turkey's decision to deploy F-16 fighter jets to the occupied areas of Cyprus is a reaction to the message sent by Europe that Cyprus' security is also the security of the European Union, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Monday. Asked, upon his arrival at an event in Larnaca, to comment on the arrival of Turkish F-16s in Cyprus' Turkish occupied areas, the President said that 'it is obvious to everyone that this decision by the Turkish government is a reaction to the message sent by Europe, by the EU member states, that the security of Cyprus is also the security of the EU and a responsibility of the EU.'
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized that despite Turkey's actions, the country would continue to be regarded as an occupying power in Cyprus. He noted that there already exists a significant presence of Turkish troops and military equipment in the occupied areas, and the deployment of F-16s adds to this existing military footprint.
In related developments, the region has seen heightened tensions following a Shahed-type drone attack on British military facilities in Akrotiri, Cyprus. The drone, believed to be linked to Hezbollah operating from Lebanon, caused minor damage. This incident occurred amidst ongoing regional conflicts involving US-Israeli operations against Iran, prompting countries such as Greece, France, and the UK to bolster their military presence in Cyprus with warships, aircraft, and air defense systems.
Cyprus remains divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and subsequent occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous rounds of UN-led peace negotiations, a resolution has yet to be achieved. The most recent talks in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in July 2017, ended without an agreement.