Turkey boycotts NATO’s change of command ceremony

BRUSSELS

Turkey boycotted NATO’s change of command ceremony on Friday to protest against the participation of a Greek Cypriot representative, Turkish diplomatic sources said.

Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti handed over the charge of the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe to Tod D. Wolters at the ceremony held in Mons, Belgium.

On Thursday, Turkey informed NATO it will not attend the ceremony if an invitation to Greek Cyprus administration, which is not a NATO member, is not withdrawn, said the sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Turkish authorities also informed NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg about the situation, the source added.

*Writing by Beyza Binnur Donmez