OR Cypriot Republic has the operational capabilities for anti -aircraft and anti -missile protection of its territory, the Cypriot Minister of Defense stressed Vasilis Palmasanswering questions about arrival Israeli anti -aircraft system Barak MX.
Mr Palmas described Turkish reactions as “absolutely hypocritical” for the installation of an Israeli system in Cyprus. ‘For 51 years 40,000 Turkish troops are located in occupied Cyprus. Cyprus is a victim of an invasion. The self -evident right to defend territorial integrity and its sovereignty through deterrent power and defensive shield is an obligation towards the Cypriot people and ourselves, “he said.
He emphasized that every state that respects itself takes care of the elementary security of its citizens and that when Cyprus respects itself, it has demands from allies and friends to support it.
Called to comment on the possibility of pressure to abandon the system, as in the past by other means, B. Palmas recalled that there were different conditions at that time. ‘During the S-300 period we had a pre -election context with much -publicized commitments. The result was unbearable pressures on the Republic of Cyprus and “thrown into the air” 300 million pounds, while the S-300s settled in Crete, “he said.
“Today we chose the path of silence and low tones. I can state responsibly that we have the potential to defend the Republic of Cyprus anti -aircraft and anti -aircraft, if and when needed, “he added, noting that” we are all eliminated “such crises. He stressed that as long as the occupation and presence of Turkish troops lasts, Cyprus must take measures so that the struggle for a solution “is worth it”.
Safe: a clear EU line, but “Haramades”
Regarding NATO’s pressure on Turkey’s involvement in the European Safe Program, Mr Palmas said the positions of the President of the European Council Antonio Costa They are clear and are not misinterpreted. However, he explained that Turkey is a member of NATOmost EU countries are also members of the Alliance and work with Ankara on a variety of issues, so there were expected pressure to enable Turkey to strengthen through Safe.
Highlighted the unmoved position Nicosia And Athens, as expressed “with one mouth, a voice” on EU defense councils in the last year. “We are not against third -party states through European states in these programs, provided they are not a risk to Member States. Turkey has been established in Cyprus as an invader for 51 years and at the same time threatening Greece daily in the Aegean, “he said.
“There are already conditions, difficulties and obstacles for Turkey. But I want to be honest. There are some “scratches” that can in the end lead Turkey indirectly to participation, “he said, stressing that beyond the Community line there are both bilateral or trilateral interests of an economic or military nature, with Turkey being a major displacement.
For the scenarios of the participation of Turkish interest companies operating within the EU, the Cypriot minister has made it clear that if a request is made to be examined by the European Commission and would be required unanimity to be accepted.
“The position of the Republic of Cyprus is well known and will be institutionally expressed in any process that concerns its indirect or direct involvement Turkey In European defense programs, “he concluded.