CYPRUS: Turkey wants to build a naval base in the north

Turkey's military chiefs are pushing for the construction of a naval base on Cyprus from where it can control the region from the Turkish-held north of the island.

 

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Ankara wants to establish a firmer foothold on Cyprus by establishing military facilities similar to those of the British Sovereign Bases on the island.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi reported Tuesday that the Turkish Naval Forces Command presented a proposal to the Turkish Foreign Ministry asking for the establishment of a naval base in the north.

It wants to set-up a navy presence at a key location to facilitate naval activity in the East Mediterranean.

Turkey’s naval command argues that the establishment of such a base will contribute towards strengthening of both Turkey and the breakaway regime.

The Turkish Naval Forces Command said that the base will safeguard the “sovereign rights and interests of the TRNC” and Turkey in Eastern Mediterranean. 

It argues that taking measures would prevent incursions in the marine energy field and strengthen the position of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side in the forthcoming Cyprus problem negotiations.

Turkey wants to search for oil and gas off the north of Cyprus in a tit-for-tat measure against Nicosia’s energy drive supported by the international community.

According to the Command proposal, the naval base should be established as sovereign base facilities such as the British have in the region.