Regarding the claims of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus concerning the illegal flights of the French warplanes

Following the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) regarding the violation of the airspace of the TRNC by French warplanes, the ministry of defence of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus demonstrated an example of complete audacity and frivolity by claiming that the Greek Cypriot side has the right to give permission to the concerned flights.

The fact is, the Greek Cypriot side has no authority to control and grant any flight permissions for the airspace of the entire island under the guise of the so-called “Republic of Cyprus”. Ercan Air Traffic Control Center is the sole authority that controls and grants permission to all the flights concerned over Ercan Advisory Airspace since 1977. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to claim any rights or interfere with the Ercan Advisory Airspace by the Greek Cypriot side.

The Greek Cypriot side frequently interferes with flights, acts recklessly and endangers human life. Countries, particularly France, who keeps encouraging the Greek Cypriot side, unfortunately are not aware of the dangers this could cause.

We deem it necessary to underline once again that the TRNC will not tolerate such reckless actions and will not refrain from taking all necessary measures together with our Motherland, Republic of Türkiye.