CYPRUS: Nicosia protests to UN over airspace and sea violations by Turkey

Cyprus has strongly protested to the UN over violations of its national airspace, the infringements of international air traffic regulations in its flight information region and the illegal use of closed ports and airports in Cyprus by Turkey.

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In a letter to UNSG Antonio Guterres, four documents detailed the violations of Cyprus airspace, infringements of international air traffic regulations and the illegal use of closed ports and airports by Turkey during March and April 2019.  

Cyprus UN Permanent Mission, Chargé d’affaires Polly Ioannou said the persistent policy of violating international law and breaching rules and regulations is a constant threat to peace and security, negatively impacts regional stability, jeopardizes the safety of international civil aviation, creates difficulties for air traffic over Cyprus and prevents the creation of an enabling environment to conduct the Cyprus peace process.        

Ioannou said Turkey continues to systematically harass civilian and military aircraft within the Nicosia flight information region via radio calls.

She said Turkish commercial aircraft systematically use Tympou airport, which continues to operate illegally following the closure by the Cyprus Government of all ports of entry in the areas where it does not exercise effective control.

“Turkey’s actions are clearly aimed at undermining Cyprus’ sovereignty, consolidating the ongoing de facto division and upgrading the secessionist entity’s status by claiming a purported airspace over the occupied territory of the Republic”.

“On behalf of my Government, I strongly protest the continuing violations of the national airspace and the territorial waters of Cyprus by Turkey, as well as the infringements by the latter of international air traffic regulations, and appeal for their immediate cessation”, the Cypriot diplomat added.

Cyprus urged all states to respect Security Council resolutions and adhere to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. (source CNA)