The Turkish Minister for National Defence Hulusi Akar stated that Turkiye is the guarantee of peace and security in Cyprus and will continue to be so in the future as well.

“Turkiye is determined to protect the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and is capable of doing this” said Akar.

Speaking during a video conference after the Blue Homeland Exercises were realised, the Turkish Minister of National Defence Akar touched upon the developments in Cyprus by stating that Cyprus is Turkiye’s national issue.

Noting that for years the negotiations process in Cyprus has continued without any success, Akar said that the only solution is the acceptance of two sovereign, equal and independent states.

He added that the last 50 years is proof that no other solution model can work in Cyprus.

Reminding that the PKK terrorist organisation has opened a representative office in South Cyprus, Akar said “These are typical examples of provocation and insincerity and supporting terrorism against Turkiye”.

“You are giving the PKK/YPG terrorist organization a place, a home and supporting them. You support terrorism. This is not right and not the right path to take. These are dead ends. Turkiye is a guarantor state in Cyprus within the framework of agreements. No matter what anyone says, we have fulfilled our guarantor rights and responsibilities up until today, and we will continue to do so in the future as well,” said Akar.

Explaining that some may see Turkiye’s call for dialogue as weakness, Akar said that this is not a show of weakness and that Turkiye is trying to solve problems through peaceful means and methods.

“On the other hand, when we say that we will not allow anyone to violate our rights and laws, this is not a threat. We are just determined to protect the rights and interests of our country and the TRNC and we are fully capable of doing this and everyone should be aware of this fact” said Akar.