Turkish Defense Minister Says Ankara Will Defend Its Interests in the Aegean Sea and Cyprus

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler made a stern statement toward Greece and Cyprus, stressing that Ankara does not intend to reconcile itself with «fait accompli and maximalist initiatives» in the Aegean Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus.

The statement came during Güler's visit to the Greek-Turkish border in Evros. According to the minister, Turkey's rights and interests in the region are based on «historical, legal and legitimate grounds».

Güler noted that Ankara continues to act within the framework of international law and in the interests of stability, but this, he said, «does not mean giving up national rights and interests».

The minister paid particular attention to the situation in the Aegean Sea. He again criticized the militarization of the islands, which Turkey considers demilitarized under international agreements. In Ankara's view, such actions run counter to good-neighborly relations, the spirit of alliance and international law.

«Turkey will not remain indifferent to initiatives aimed against its sovereign rights, security and legitimate interests», Güler stressed.

Speaking about Cyprus, the defense minister reaffirmed Turkey's unchanged position on the security and rights of Turkish Cypriots. He said Ankara will continue to support them as a guarantor state.

The visit took place at the Arda border post with the participation of the leadership of the Turkish armed forces. During the ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the servicemen by phone, noting that modern wars and crises have once again shown the importance of reliable protection of state borders.