Cyprus’ Foreign Ministry issued a strong response to comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, rejecting suggestions that Nicosia holds revisionist aims or seeks regional dominance.
In a statement, the ministry said the Republic of Cyprus “has no revisionist intentions and no aspirations of regional hegemony,” adding that such claims are made by others “seeking to provoke and create impressions during a sensitive regional period.”
The ministry noted that Turkey continues to maintain a military presence on Cypriot territory, describing it as an occupation force with tens of thousands of troops deployed in an offensive posture.
It said Fidan’s remarks were “misleading” and served purposes unrelated to regional stability, adding that Cyprus rejects statements aimed at raising tensions.
Fidan said Monday that Greece, Cyprus and Israel are involved — or appear to be involved — in efforts to encircle Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean.