President Ersin Tatar on Wednesday said that the strengthening of the Greek Cypriot National Guard’s missile defence system by the Greek Cypriot administration did not serve peace on the island.

He warned that such moves will only serve to raise tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking to the TAK news agency, Tatar said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was watching these developments with great concern.

He pointed out that such steps were wrong, particularly at a time when the UN Secretary-General called on the sides to enhance cooperation and to build confidence between the two sides.

Stating that Turkey too expresses its concern and discomfort over such steps, Tatar called on the Greek Cypriot administration to exercise common sense.

Pointing out that there were a number of understandings and practices in place in the Eastern Mediterranean to preserve the balance in the region, President Ersin Tatar said, “The Republic of Turkey is one of the three guarantor countries in Cyprus. There are things Turkey can do and say. It has a right to carry out such actions. As always Turkey will demonstrate its determination to protect its and the Turkish Cypriots’ rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

He added the Greek Cypriot administration forgot that it had Turkey to face when resorting to such aggressive and provocative moves.