“Turkey is in favour of the solution of the problems in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus under international law”

Turkish National Defence Minister Hulusi Akar stated that Turkey always emphasises at every opportunity that it is in favour of the solution of the problems in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus under international law and in good neighbourly relations and shows effort in this direction.

Speaking at an event he attended Akar said:

“Eastern Mediterranean has become a centre of attraction which continues to possess energy resources from the past to present in addition to the geostrategic importance.

Therefore, one of the most important issues in the Eastern Mediterranean, which has turned into a battleground, in terms of global sense is delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas. Turkey maintains a principled attitude towards the protection of equal and sovereign rights and a fair share of resources in the maritime jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus.

We always maintain that maritime jurisdiction should be defined in accordance with international law, and respecting the principles of right and justice. Unfortunately, there are some statements that ignore international law by regional and non-regional countries as a result of the developments taking place on the basis of hydrocarbon resources and maritime jurisdictions in the Eastern Mediterranean recently. We wish and expect that the rights and interests of Turkey which has the longest coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean and the TRNC should be respected. We expect respect from all parties in these matters, which is our most natural right. “

Akar also said that Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa research vessel is continuing seismic research in the Eastern Mediterranean, the national drilling vessel Fatih is continuing drilling activities in the west of the island of Cyprus within the Turkish Continental Shelf accompanied by the vessels of the Naval Forces Command.

Pointing out that Turkey, as a guarantor country, will continue drilling and research activities at her own maritime jurisdiction areas and the zones licensed by the TRNC, Akar said : “In the Eastern Mediterranean, any project that does not include Turkey and the TRNC, does not take into consideration our rights and interests and does not respect our rights arising from international agreements, has no chance to survive. Turkey is not a threat to any country. Our aim is to provide security for our homeland, sea, sky and people as well as contributing to the peace and stability of the region.