“We are closely following the recent statements of certain European representatives directed against our country. The statements about Turkey’s role in the region and its place in the European security architecture are not in accordance with the principles of alliance and solidarity. We emphasize again that the statements of France, a member of NATO, based on different scenarios, increase tensions and may threaten regional peace and stability. We remind everyone that any military alliance that tries to form in our region, there is no chance of success against Turkey. As our minister said earlier, in any situation where security and stability are at stake in the coming period, those who support Turkey will win, not those who oppose it,” the Turkish Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
Regarding the claims that French soldiers may be stationed in the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense further stated: “Turkey acts in accordance with international law and prioritizes the preservation of peace and stability in its region. However, such an approach does not mean that we will compromise the national rights and interests of our country and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The security and stability of the island of Cyprus is determined by international agreements, and Turkey is one of the guarantor countries. Although it is not clear what specific security need justifies France’s statements to send troops to southern Cyprus, such initiatives could upset the existing delicate balance and increase tensions. We emphasize again that such initiatives could create future security risks for the Greek Cypriot administration and that moves that could undermine regional stability should be avoided.”
