Sources in the Turkish Ministry of National Defence responded to questions about the inclusion of the Greek Cypriot Administration of South Cyprus in the exercises to be conducted by the United States in the Mediterranean and said, “We have taken all kinds of measures for the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). We once again emphasize our determination to protect the security and rights of the Turkish Cypriots at all costs.”

Turkish Ministry of National Defence sources answered journalists’ questions following a press briefing held at the Ministry.

In response to questions about the United States plans to include the Greek Cypriot Administration in its exercises in the Mediterranean, the Ministry sources said “The United States had previously lifted the arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot Administration in a way that disrupted the delicate balance on the island.”

“Now they have made a defence cooperation plan. We are closely following these developments. We have taken and continue to take all kinds of measures for the security of the TRNC. We once again emphasize our determination to protect the security and rights of the Turkish Cypriots at all costs” said the sources.