Tatar blasts arrival of German special forces in Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has said the arrival of German special forces in Cyprus “runs contrary to international agreements”.

Tatar was speaking to the Anadolu Agency on Monday, and said the German soldiers had arrived “without the permission and approval of Turkey, a guarantor and partner of the Republic of Cyprus”.

He pointed out that there is “increased military activity” in Cyprus at present due to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and said there were also soldiers from other countries who had arrived in Cyprus without his permission.

Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis on Tuesday confirmed military contingents from both the Netherlands and the United States have also arrived on the island.

“It runs contrary to international agreements for foreign military forces to come to the island without our permission and approval, and without that of Turkey, which is a guarantor of the Republic of Cyprus,” Tatar said.

He also warned “the British should be careful when using their bases. While these bases are used for the national interests of the UK, they should be used in a way which do not harm the Turks or Greeks in Cyprus.”