Statement from the Ministry of National Defense on the PKK: 'It must announce the congress date as soon as possible'

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MSB sources stated that the PKK must announce as soon as possible the date of the congress where it will decide to cease its activities with all its extensions, dissolve itself, lay down its arms unconditionally, and surrender its weapons. Officials called for this process to be accelerated.

Making statements in response to questions regarding recent developments in Syria, the Ministry expressed that cooperation efforts in military, economic, political, humanitarian, and industrial fields are continuing for the development of Syria's defense capacity and the reconstruction of the country.

It was noted that the assignment of military advisors or liaison personnel to the Ministries of Defense is on the agenda for the identification and resolution of Syria's urgent needs. It was emphasized that Turkey is ready to provide all kinds of support for the welfare, stability, and security of the Syrian people.

Touching upon the terrorist organization PKK's activities in the region, the sources stated the following:

'The terrorist organization must announce as soon as possible the date of the congress where it will decide to cease its activities with all its extensions, dissolve itself, lay down its arms unconditionally, and surrender its weapons.'

Pointing out that they had previously stated that Turkish elements stationed in Syria could make changes to their positions according to new situations, Ministry officials used the following expressions:

''Our contacts continue regarding the realization of numerous collaborations in military, economic, political, humanitarian, and industrial fields within the scope of developing Syria's defense capacity, its reconstruction, and development. Military advisor/liaison personnel may be mutually assigned to the Ministries of Defense for the identification and resolution of Syria's urgent needs.

In the context of the welfare, stability, and security of the Syrian people, we as Turkey are ready for all kinds of support and are working for this. As we have stated before, we said that changes in the deployment of our elements serving in Syria could be possible according to developing new situations. Our activities in this scope are continuing.''

TURKEY'S ROLE IN GLOBAL SECURITY

Speaking about Turkey's contributions to the European security architecture, officials underlined that the Turkish army has become 'an indispensable actor for regional and global security.'

Emphasizing that the Turkish Armed Forces have increased their operational capacity, officials added the following:

''Our country's place in the European security architecture will not be determined according to Europe's expectations, but according to our national rights and interests. As a member of NATO and the OSCE, and a candidate country for the EU, our country is an inseparable part of the European security architecture with its geostrategic position, developing defense industry, and the important roles it has undertaken in the resolution of regional crises. As our Minister also emphasized, 'The high operational experience, combat capability, and modern equipment capacity possessed by our army are followed with envy by many countries.'

Our Turkish Armed Forces, which add strength to its power with the capabilities and means it has gained, have become an indispensable actor for regional and global security and stability in this process where the security architecture is being reshaped. In this framework; our country will continue to provide the necessary contribution to European security in accordance with our national rights and interests.''

OPERATIONS AGAINST THE PKK CONTINUE

In a meeting held, officials shared the results obtained in the last week within the scope of the fight against terrorism. It was stated that the Turkish Armed Forces are conducting continuous and comprehensive operations in line with the strategy of destroying terrorism at its source.

According to the statement made at the meeting, 21 terrorists were neutralized in the northern regions of Iraq and Syria in the last week. With these operations, the number of terrorists neutralized since January 1 has reached 523.

Within the last week, a total of 70 people, 3 of whom were members of the terrorist organization, were apprehended. Furthermore, the number of those caught while trying to cross the borders illegally since January 1 has reached 1,086. The number of people prevented from crossing the border has risen to 15 thousand 25.

While it was emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces are acting with determination in the fight against terrorism, it was stated that the operations will continue without interruption. Officials announced that efforts will continue to ensure security in the region and to neutralize terrorist organizations.

ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON GAZA

Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk criticized Israel's attacks on Gaza. Stating that international law is being trampled upon, Aktürk described the attacks as a 'massacre.'

Arguing that the attacks on Gaza must end, Aktürk noted the following:

''Israel has once again trampled upon international law and humanitarian values by restarting its intense attacks on Gaza. While the entire international public expects lasting peace and a ceasefire, Israel's embarking on a new massacre against the defenseless and innocent Palestinian people, and its persistent voicing of steps that will force Gaza residents to migrate, continues to harm regional and global stability. The assurance of global peace and tranquility will be possible with the international community taking a decisive stance against this brutality being experienced.''

News Source: 12punto