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Ankara on Thursday warned that Cyprus’ ongoing efforts to bolster its air defense with systems from Israel could have “dangerous consequences” and are being “closely monitored.”
“We would like to once again remind that ongoing armament efforts and activities that may undermine peace and stability on the island could have dangerous consequences,” Defense Ministry sources were quoted by Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency as saying on Thursday.
“Every attempt aimed at disturbing the balance on the island is being closely monitored, and all necessary measures are being taken for the security and peace of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” the ministry said, referring to the occupied north of the island, which is recognized only by Turkey.
The Turkish ministry’s comments came after Cyprus took delivery earlier this week of its second Barak MX air defense system from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a move critics in Ankara say is a “direct threat” to Turkish national security.
Also on Thursday, Ankara rejected reports that Russia has requested the return of its S-400 missile defense systems, insisting they remain in Turkey’s arsenal, with “no change” in policy.