Turkish Minister for National Defence Hulusi Akar said that they are closely following the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus.

We will do everything we can to protect the rights and interests of Turkey said Akar.

In a speech at the National Defence University in Istanbul, Akar said that all that is necessary will be done when the right time comes.

“Whatever needs to be done to protect and safeguard our rights and interests will be done at the right time and place… Let no one doubt it,” Hulusi Akar said in his speech marking the new academic year of the National Defence University.

Noting that Turkey closely follows all the developments in the north of Iraq and Syria, the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus, Akar said “It is our duty to protect the rights of our noble nation and every bit of its law.”

On agreements with the US and Russia on northern Syria, he said Turkey takes its responsibilities “seriously and fulfils them carefully”.

“We fulfil our responsibilities there. Likewise, we do what we have to do within the framework of international law, within good neighbourly relations in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus,” the minister said.

“We are committed to peace and dialogue” said Akar and reiterated that Turkey will not allow any fait accompli to take place.