Ankara: Any military alliance targeting the rights and interests of Trkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has "no chance of success," Trkiye's National Defense Ministry stated. At its weekly press briefing, the ministry emphasized the Turkish Armed Forces' preparedness to respond decisively to any hostile actions threatening the security of Turkish Cypriots.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trkiye is vigilantly observing attempts to destabilize and escalate tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding the agreement signed between France and the Greek Cypriot Administration. The ministry criticized the agreement, arguing that France lacks guarantor status in Cyprus and that the Greek Cypriot Administration's actions aim to disrupt the delicate balance on the island, neglecting the sovereign equal rights of the Turkish Cypriots. These actions, the ministry asserted, contradict the 1960 Cyprus Agreements and international law and could have serious consequences for the southern region of the island.
The ministry reiterated that military alliances disregarding the regional balance and targeting Trkiye and TRNC's rights would not succeed. As a guarantor nation, Trkiye remains committed to safeguarding the rights and security of the TRNC, underscoring the Turkish Armed Forces' capability to respond to threats against Turkish Cypriots.
Addressing reports from Greek media alleging harassment by Turkish aircraft, the ministry refuted these claims as inaccurate. It accused Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of ignoring TRNC's rights, violating its airspace, and engaging in provocative activities. On June 7, the ministry noted, Greek aircraft violated TRNC airspace, prompting a response from Turkish F-16s stationed in the TRNC. The ministry clarified that Turkish aircraft operated within TRNC airspace and did not provoke Greek Cypriots, dismissing any claims to the contrary as attempts to create a false narrative of victimhood.
On broader regional conflicts, particularly involving Israel, the US, and Iran, the ministry expressed Trkiye's preference for diplomatic resolutions. The ongoing conflicts have undermined global and regional stability, and Trkiye advocates for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing that continued conflict is detrimental to all parties involved.