Cyprus protests to UN over Turkish violations

Cyprus has protested to the UN new violations of its airspace and Nicosia FIR (Flight Information Region) by Turkish fighter jets.

An official press release issued here Friday said that in a letter to the UN Secretary General, dated 17 December 2007, Cyprus Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis, drew attention to the violations of the national airspace of Cyprus and Nicosia FIR by military aircraft of the Turkish Air Force recorded from 1 October to 29 November 2007.

In his letter, Mavroyiannis strongly protested the violations and appealed “for their immediate cessation”, noting that Turkey’s policy of violating international law and disregarding international regulations jeopardises flight safety and stability in Eastern Mediterranean.

The Cypriot diplomat stressed that Turkey’s systematic provocative acts threaten the sovereignty and unity of the Republic of Cyprus through the promotion of an illegal separatist entity in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops since 1974 and through efforts to take control of part of Cyprus’ air space.

Such acts, he added, complicate efforts to build confidence between the two sides and start negotiations for a settlement.

Mavroyiannis pointed out that such acts “prove that Turkey’s sole aim is to consolidate the island’s de facto division and maintain its military presence in Cyprus.”

The letter was circulated as a UN document on 27 December 2007.