Turkey is determined to protect the security of the north and the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said, criticising the build up of EU defence systems around Cyprus.

Turkiye newspaper reported on Sunday that in an interview with Italian newspaper Il Messaggero published on Friday, Guler said Turkey will not compromise on its national interests.

Regarding the support of European partners to Cyprus, he said “we believe the deployment of defence systems around Cyprus by the EU is an attempt by the Greek Cypriot administration and Greece to increase their military presence on the island and escalate tensions.

“Turkey is determined to protect the security of the TRNC and the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people,” he added.

The Turkish minister also said his country can play a balancing and constructive role in the post-war period. “Considering our geopolitical position, we aim for a safe zone and a stable environment around us, contributing to international peace.”

Guler also said that Turkey is on high alert against terrorist organisations seeking to take advantage of the turmoil in Iran.

“We know that terrorist organisations are trying to exploit power and security gaps. Turkey is opposed to the repetition in Iran of the scenarios observed in Iraq and Syria.”

It will not tolerate, he added, in any way the formation or strengthening of terrorist structures along Turkey’s borders.