Comment on the call to lay down arms: 'The sabotage and prolongation of the process will never be allowed'

Minister Güler, in his speech at an iftar program hosted by Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş for the families of martyrs and veterans at the Parliament, expressed his great joy in being together with the families of martyrs and veterans during the month of Ramadan.

Emphasizing that the greatest share of all successes achieved so far in ensuring Turkey's defense and security belongs to the martyrs and veterans, Güler said, "If we are living together in peace in our homeland today, and if there is a climate of security and stability in every corner of our country, this is, of course, the work of our noble martyrs and you, our very precious veterans."

Güler stated that the heroic epics written by the martyrs and veterans, who are the greatest representatives of the struggle for the homeland and the flag, by shielding their chests, will never be forgotten and will always live on in the grateful heart of the nation.

Stating that the unparalleled courage and sacrifice of the martyrs and veterans are the greatest source of inspiration for them, Güler pointed out that the comrades-in-arms of the martyrs and veterans also proudly carry the legacy they left behind and provide an unparalleled example of struggle to protect the rights and interests of the country and the nation.

Yaşar Güler emphasized that the blood of the martyrs has never been and will never be left on the ground, and used the expression, "In every activity we carry out, we act with the responsibility of protecting the legacy we inherited from them and transferring this sacred trust to future generations in a more prosperous and secure manner."

"THE MAIN BURDEN OF THE COST HAS BEEN BORNE BY THEIR FAMILIES"

Minister of National Defense Güler, touching upon the call by PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve itself, noted that the call made should be examined carefully.

Emphasizing that confusion should not be created by bringing up issues that are not included in the call text, such as a "ceasefire," Güler continued his words as follows:

"I would like to state very clearly that the sabotage and prolongation of the process will never be allowed; a cautious and rational approach will be taken as the basis. I would like to draw your attention specifically to this point: if an important process is being experienced today and a historic step is to be taken, if a situation has been reached where disputes are resolved, those who have been deceived are won over, and an end is put to the ambitions of those who use terrorism for their own purposes under various pretexts, this has come at a heavy cost. The main burden of this cost has been borne by our martyrs and veterans and their respectable families. Our gratitude to them is eternal and deep beyond words."

Minister Güler stated that no matter what is done, they cannot repay the rights of the martyrs and veterans, and said, "However, we are always with you, our precious families who are the trust of our martyrs, and our veterans, who are the crown of our heads, and their families, and we will never leave you alone. They are the spiritual architects of today's strong Turkey."

"I EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE TO OUR DEVOTED REGIONAL PEOPLE"

Minister of National Defense Güler expressed that such a strong spirituality will make Turkey endure forever; that it will continue to give confidence to friends and fear to enemies, and said, "On this occasion, I express my gratitude to our 85 million citizens who have stood by their state with patience in the face of the damage caused by terrorist incidents to our country, and especially to our devoted regional people who have never bowed to the years-long pressures of the terrorist organization, never stopped standing by their state, and who have shown with this attitude that these initiatives are a futile effort."

"Our heroic Turkish Armed Forces, as it was yesterday, today and tomorrow, will continue to fulfill every activity that needs to be done against any threat to its country with its effective, deterrent, and respectable qualities, until the last drop of its blood, and will continue to be a source of pride for our country and our noble nation," said Güler, commemorating the martyrs and veterans who have passed away with mercy and gratitude, and wishing the living veterans a healthy and long life.