Ankara renews Cyprus threats

In a further escalation of tensions with Cyprus, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has ruled out any possibility that Ankara will give up its guarantor status on the island and said that it will continue its illegal drilling activities there.
Turkey, Akar said, is a guarantor power on Cyprus and "will continue to use this right as it has in the past."
He also warned that Turkey's armed forces are ready to do "what is necessary" to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriots. "The Turkish Armed Forces, like 45 years ago when they carried out the peace operation [1974 invasion], are close to the Turkish Cypriots and are determined to defend their rights and interests."
The system of guarantees was established when the island gained independence from Britain in 1960 and Greece, Turkey and Britain were designated as guarantor powers.
Greece and Cyprus, both European...