Cyprus protests air violations by Turkey

Cyprus Permanent Representative to the UN Minas Hadjimichael has protested to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon new violations of the international air traffic regulations and of Cyprus' national airspace by the Turkish Air Force.

The violations were recorded during the period July 30 to October 31 2008.

In a letter to the Secretary General on November 7, Hadjimichael called for the immediate cessation of Turkey’s provocations, adding that Ankara’s “policy of non-observance of rules and regulations governing international aviation continues to gravely jeopardize flight safety and perpetuate insecurity and apprehension on the island.”

“Turkey’s persistent provocations, aimed at consolidating the de facto division of Cyprus and further strengthening the illegal secessionist entity in the occupied areas, seriously undermine all efforts towards reunification and reconciliation,” he added.
At the same time, such provocations indicate that Ankara’s policy towards Cyprus remains one of aggression and disrespect for international law and principles, Hadmichael added.

Turkey, whose troops invaded Cyprus in 1974 and continue to occupy the island’s northern part, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. It maintains a self-styled regime in occupied Cyprus, which only Ankara recognises.