Ankara, Turkey – Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler has delivered a robust series of warnings to Greece, Israel, and the Republic of Cyprus, signalling Turkey’s firm stance on military cooperation and territorial integrity in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean regions. The pronouncements, made yesterday at a press conference in Ankara, underscore the persistent geopolitical friction that characterises this strategically vital area. Minister Güler specifically addressed concerns regarding the arming of islands designated as demilitarised and reiterated Ankara's unwavering support for a two-state solution in Cyprus.
The Turkish Defence Minister’s remarks were directed at what Ankara perceives as escalating military alliances and activities that could potentially impinge upon its security interests. While Güler acknowledged that current cooperative efforts between Athens, Jerusalem, and Nicosia do not constitute an immediate threat, he unequivocally stated that Turkey would not hesitate to implement "necessary actions" in response to any military movements in the Aegean that are deemed provocative. A particular point of contention highlighted by Güler was the potential deployment of Israeli air defence systems on islands that are legally stipulated to maintain a non-military status, a move Turkey views with considerable apprehension.
Güler’s address also served as a platform to reiterate Turkey’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot community. He underscored the necessity of recognising the Turkish Cypriots’ "equal, sovereign, and equal international status" as a prerequisite for any viable resolution on the island, explicitly advocating for a "two-state" framework. This position aligns with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus's (TRNC) aspirations and reflects a significant divergence from the international community's prevailing support for a reunited, federal Cyprus.
Furthermore, the Turkish Defence Minister launched a pointed critique of Greece's defence policies, alluding to alleged internal challenges within the Hellenic Armed Forces, such as staffing deficiencies, and suggesting a negative reception to current defence strategies among Greek military personnel. Güler also accused certain political factions of attempting to foment division between peoples and alleged that Greece is striving to marginalise Turkey from European security frameworks.
In a related development, Tufan Erhürman, the Turkish Cypriot leader, articulated a clear procedural prerequisite for any substantive negotiations concerning the reunification of Cyprus. Erhürman stipulated that the acceptance of political equality, which he explicitly linked to the concept of a rotating presidency, is an indispensable condition. He indicated that without this fundamental agreement on the procedural basis for talks, there would be no progression to other procedural points, nor to the substantive issues at the heart of the Cyprus dispute.
These pronouncements from Ankara signal a hardening of Turkey's position and a clear message to its neighbours and their allies. The warnings serve as a potent reminder of Turkey's readiness to assert its perceived security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean, areas already marked by complex maritime boundary disputes and competing energy exploration claims. The reiteration of the two-state solution in Cyprus further complicates already intractable reunification efforts, suggesting that procedural disagreements, as highlighted by Erhürman, will continue to act as significant impediments to any genuine progress. The ongoing diplomatic and military posturing between these nations indicates that regional stability remains a delicate and precarious balance.