It has been observed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Greek Cypriot Administration Mrs. Markulli has recently made incongruous remarks and declarations regarding Turkey, the Turkish Armed Forces and the Turkish Chief of General Staff.   Mrs. Markulli cannot be considered as a counterpart who can express views and make judgments on Turkey’s domestic issues. Besides, it is beyond and above Mrs Markulli to cast aspersions about the Turkish Armed Forces and the Turkish Chief of General Staff.

On the other hand, the presence of the Turkish forces on the Island which stems from Turkey’s guarantor rights based on the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, has brought peace and stability to the Island since 1974. Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces are the safeguards of peace in Cyprus.

Turkey’s policy on Cyprus is a national policy that will be pursued with determination. The statements on Cyprus by the Turkish Chief of General Staff reflect this policy.

 The international community should not disregard the provocative and irresponsible attitude of the Greek Cypriot Administration, which continues to be a source of instability in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.