Statement on Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Aegean from the Ministry of National Defense
The Ministry of National Defense made evaluations regarding the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, military movements in the Eastern Mediterranean and Greece's arming of islands with non-military status.
Quick Look
While the Ministry of National Defense was evaluating the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement; He emphasized that Türkiye will continue to take measures against the armament activities of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus and Greece's status violations on the Aegean islands.
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Why It Matters
The status of the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean islands and the military balance in Cyprus have long been tensions between Türkiye, Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus.
In the statement from the Ministry of National Defense, the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was first mentioned. It was stated that the text in question offers a framework that aims to improve defense and security cooperation among member countries and strengthen common defense capacity and deterrence. It was stated that all activities within the scope of the agreement are carried out in line with the joint decisions of the member countries and relevant national processes.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AND CYPRUS
In the statement, it was noted that the crises and tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean were increasing, and it was reported that military activities on the Island of Cyprus were closely followed. It was emphasized that the armament activities carried out by the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) and the military cooperation it developed with third countries disrupted the delicate balances on the Island, negatively affected the environment of trust and did not contribute to peace. It was stated that the claims that the air defense systems deployed in the Greek Cypriot Administration do not pose a threat to the Turkish Cypriot people cannot be a justification for ignoring legitimate rights, and it was stated that the Turkish Armed Forces continue their training and patrol activities in the international waters and airspace in the Mediterranean. It was underlined that Turkey, with its responsibility as a guarantor country, will continue to take all necessary measures in cooperation with the TRNC authorities.
WARNING FOR ISLANDS WITH NON-MILITARY STATUS
Touching on Greece's attitude towards the Aegean islands, the Ministry reminded that the non-military status of the Eastern Aegean Islands was clearly regulated by the 1923 Lausanne and 1947 Paris Peace Treaties. It was stated that the armament activities carried out contrary to this statute and the discourses aimed at legitimizing them would not change the legal situation. It was noted that Turkey's expectation is that Greece will avoid steps that would harm regional peace and comply with its obligations arising from the treaties.
SUBMARINE ELECTRICAL CABLE PROJECT AND CONTINENTAL SHELF
Open Questions
- What are the details about the submarine power cable project?
