The Turkish Minister of National Defense, Yasar Güler, accusing the Greek Cypriot side of “intransigence” and a “policy of oppression” against Turkish Cypriots. At the same time, he sent a message that Ankara is closely monitoring Cyprus’s military buildup with the support of third countries and is taking “all necessary measures” to ensure its national security.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026–2027 academic year at the National Defense University, in the presence of the military leadership, Yasar Güler identified Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean as key priorities of Turkish security policy.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The Turkish Minister of Defense said that Ankara is monitoring the Republic of Cyprus’s moves to strengthen its military power through cooperation with other countries.
“We are closely monitoring the steps taken by the Greek Cypriot side to increase its political influence and strengthen its military capabilities with external support, and we are takingall necessary measures within the framework of our national security,” he stated.
Güler reiterated that Turkey remains determined to protect, as he put it, the security and “legitimate rights” of Turkish Cypriots, as well as its own interests and those of the pseudo-state in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He also referred to sports and cultural activities in the occupied areas, which, according to him, the Greek Cypriot side is seeking to prevent.
Yasar Güler said that Nicosia intervened with UEFA against the organization of a sports camp by the Barcelona Football Academy in the occupied territories in September, and also referred to earlier interventions regarding a music festival.
“These actions reflect the delusion and intransigence of the Greek Cypriot side,” he claimed.
Addressing the international community, he posed the question: “On what significant issue can there be a compromise with those who do not even tolerate international educational, athletic, cultural, and youth activities and seek to prevent them?”
The Turkish minister further argued that the policy which, according to the Turkish position, has been implemented against Turkish Cypriots since the 1960s continues to this day. Güler reiterated Turkey’s role as a guarantor power.
“Turkey, both because of its guarantee rights under international law and because of its historical responsibilities, remains determined to protect the security, sovereignty, and legitimate interests of the Turkish Cypriots,” he said.
In the same speech, the Turkish minister identified the Eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea, the Caucasus, and the Middle East as key fronts in Turkey’s security strategy.
He made special mention of the new Joint Defense Agreement signed in Mecca, describing it as an “effective and powerful reflection” of Ankara’s alliance policy.
Source: CNA
