Türkiye is monitoring "attempts to disrupt the balance in Cyprus" and will act to safeguard security in the north of the island, a Turkish official said on Thursday after Cypriot reports that the government there had procured an air defense system from Israel.
Cyprus was split by a Turkish invasion after a brief Greek-inspired coup in 1974, with the internationally-recognized government controlling the south, and a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north that is only recognized by Ankara.
Cypriot media reported last December that Cyprus had taken delivery of an Israeli air defense system. The Barak MX anti-aircraft system will complement and eventually replace the older Russian-made Tor M1, the reports said.
Cypriot media have since reported two more deliveries, most recently last week. Cypriot officials never openly disclose procurement programs because of the ongoing tensions with Türkiye, according to Reuters.
A Turkish defense ministry official, speaking to reporters on Thursday on condition of anonymity, said ongoing armament efforts by Cyprus and "activities that undermine peace and stability on the island could have dangerous consequences".
"Any attempt to disrupt the balance on the island is being closely monitored and all necessary measures are being taken for the security and peace of the TRNC," he added, using the acronym for the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Earlier this week, Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas was quoted by state media as saying with regard to any procurement of Israeli air defense systems: "Cyprus is a peaceful, democratic country which has been under occupation for 51 years."
"As long as there is an occupation and no political solution (of the island's division), we have the self-evident duty and obligation to ensure the defenses of the Republic of Cyprus."
