Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler made strong statements Friday outlining Ankara’s strategy in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus, while sharply criticizing Greece.
Guler accused Greece of attempting to create “new facts on the ground” in Cyprus and militarizing Aegean islands, warning, “It is clear that such steps do not serve regional peace.” He dismissed what he called “provocative statements” by Greek officials, saying they “have no basis.”
He added that Turkey’s goal is “the establishment of an order based on peace, stability and justice in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean,” and described protecting the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” as an “inseparable responsibility.”
Highlighting Ankara’s readiness to act, Guler said, “We have the necessary will and power to protect our legitimate rights under international law and the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” noting that air force units have been deployed to safeguard the region and strengthen rapid response capabilities.