The Republic of Cyprus has confirmed an incident involving interference with aircraft carrying the Greek, Dutch and French Defence Ministers while en route to Cyprus on Sunday evening to attend an informal EU Defence Ministers meeting.
Director of the President’s Press Office Victor Papadopoulos told CNA on Monday that Cyprus had been informed by the Ministers involved that their aircraft were subjected to interference originating from the illegal Tymbou airport.
He added that, in the case of Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, Turkish fighter jets were also observed operating in the area.
‘In the case of the Greek Defence Minister, it appears that Turkish fighter jets were flying at a distance, parallel to Mr Dendias’ flight,’ Papadopoulos said.
He said the Republic of Cyprus will raise the matter through the appropriate international channels.
‘All of this will be formally denounced by the Republic of Cyprus where appropriate. The Minister of Defence will today brief the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and will also inform the European Council during its proceedings,’ he said.
Papadopoulos described the incident as illegal and in violation of international law, adding that it is condemnable.
Asked whether the incident may be linked to broader Turkish actions ahead of the summit and the signing of the Cyprus-France Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) agreement, he declined to speculate, reiterating that it constituted an unlawful act.
Reliable sources in Athens said they assessed that the incident is part of a broader Turkish plan to respond to the SOFA agreement, due to be signed on Monday between France and the Republic of Cyprus, adding that the aircraft carrying the French Defence Minister was also subjected to similar interference.