Turkey a characteristic example of the West’s hypocrisy in combating “IS”

Statement of Georgos Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 24th November 2015, Nicosia

AKEL strongly denounces Turkey’s action to shoot down a Russian fighter aircraft which was taking part in the operations against the “Islamic State”, as well as the execution of the pilots of the aircraft. Turkey’s provocative action is an act that exacerbates the already tense situation in our region, while further undermining the struggle against the “IS”. The action is all the more provocative when one considers that it comes from a state whose warplanes systematically violate the airspace of neighboring countries, while it is also to blame for countless violations of International Law.

Turkey, a member of NATO and the G20, a privileged ally of the European Union and the US, represents a characteristic example of the hypocrisy of the West in the cause of combating the “IS” organization. Not only have they contributed towards the creation of the “IS”, but even now when they have declared war against it, they permit Turkey to act against the principal opponents of “IS”, namely Russia, the government and Kurds of Syria.

AKEL stresses that the situation that is evolving in our region poses enormous dangers for the peoples and for security and peace in our region. We urge all the involved parties to avoid any actions that escalate tension and lead to dangerous adventures. At the same time, we call upon the peoples of our region to safeguard peace and to demand the respect for International Law and the sovereignty of states.

Finally, AKEL notes that the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean creates additional dangers for Cyprus as well, whilst it cannot be excluded that it will also affect negatively the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.