[Petros Karadjias/AP Photo]
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has described the “armament activities” of the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus as “wrong,” saying they could “start an arms race on the island.”
“We see that the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus [sic] has recently accelerated its armament activities,” a statement from the ministry reads, adding that it notes “the views recorded in the statement” made by the so-called “foreign ministry” of the Turkish-backed entity in occupied northern Cyprus.
“We would like to remind you that this wrong policy pursued by the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus could lead to a further deterioration of the stability and peace of our region and start an arms race on the island,” the statement added.
Earlier this week, Cyprus’ new air defense system was launched, designed to protect the country from aerial threats, similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. With the completion of the order, Cyprus will gain a modern air defense shield capable of intercepting and neutralizing targets well beyond the island’s borders. The system can engage threats at ranges from 2 to 150 km.
Last month, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed Nicosia’s active interest in NATO membership.