Ministry denies arms transfer

ANKARA

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed allegations that Turkey is involved in armed provocation in Syria.

“Turkey does not transfer armed elements to its neighbors,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Selçuk Ünal said yesterday in reply to a question regarding claims that Turkish generals were playing a role in uprisings within Syria

Warning to Greek Cyprus

Turkey would not hesitate to take any measures needed for the sake of its security, but no decision has been made at the moment regarding a buffer zone, Ünal said. Presently, 47,500 Syrians have taken shelter in Turkey, including 1,316 Syrian civilians, 11 soldiers and a brigadier, who crossed the Turkish border Aug. 6. Ünal also warned that Greek Cypriot’s latest bid in May to explore for gas in the Mediterranean might raise tension. “A part of this tender violates both Turkey’s and Turkish Cypriot’s field of license,” Ünal said.