Yaşar Güler: “Acceptance of sovereign equality of Turkish Cypriots is the only way forward for a just and lasting solution on the island”

Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler stated that Türkiye continues to safeguard the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots.

According to Anadolu Agency, speaking in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Plan and Budget Committee, Güler underlined that they have made every effort to protect its rights and interests, conducting activities in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean effectively in line with national interests.

Emphasising that no project that disregards Türkiye or intends to usurp its rights in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean can be realised, Güler stated the following:

“We continue to defend the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots. It is a fact that the path to a just and lasting solution on the island is the acceptance of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots. In addition to these, the Greek Cypriot Administration’s eagerness to enhance its military and political relations with countries both within and outside the region, as well as its pursuit of armament, increases tensions and undermines stability. Therefore, while taking the necessary measures in line with our proactive defence and security policy against these efforts, I would like to reiterate that we stand with Turkish Cypriots under all circumstances.”