Akar: “Taking a step back is out of the question”

Turkish National Defence Minister Hulusi Akar stated that taking a step back from the rights of the people of the TRNC and the Republic of Turkey in the Aegean and the Mediterranean is out of the question.

In his speech at an event in Doha, Qatar’s capital, Akar said that the efforts to protect the rights arising from international law and agreements not only in the country and in the borders but also in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Cyprus continue. Akar also indicated that they will continue to do their utmost in order to protect the rights in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC).

Stating that it is not possible to make concessions on the rights of our country and our nation, Akar said that they are in favour of good neighbourly relations, peace, friendship, and cooperation. Akar added: “Besides, taking a step back from the rights of the people of the TRNC and the Republic of Turkey in the Aegean and the Mediterranean is out of the question. We have taken every precaution we can in order to protect the rights of our country and our nation. We do not allow any fait accompli. We have already announced that no solution has a chance to survive that is not supported by the Republic of Turkey and the TRNC