Reaction to NATO from former Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Uluç Gürkan: 'How reliable is it?'

Former Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Uluç Gürkan shared his assessments with 12punto regarding NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and his statements concerning Turkey.

'NATO'S TRACK RECORD IS NOT BRIGHT'

In response to the question, "Is the Alliance taking or planning to take additional security measures to increase Turkey's security?", Rutte replied, "As 32 allies, we will do everything in our power to defend every inch of NATO territory.

The shooting down of three missiles directed at Turkey is clear evidence of this, and we will continue to do so. We are clearly showing all our adversaries that we will do whatever is necessary to ensure our security."

Gürkan responded to these statements by saying, “First of all, it needs to be clarified where the missiles were fired from. Secondly, how much can Turkey rely on NATO for its defense? There are question marks regarding this. NATO's track record on this matter is not very bright.

In 1964, when Turkey wanted to intervene in Cyprus as a guarantor state, the President of the United States, in the name of NATO, threatened Turkey, saying, 'We will not protect you as NATO.'

None of our NATO allies stood up and said, 'No, we will protect you.' At this point, we cannot know how realistic this promise from the NATO Secretary General is for Turkey.

Turkey must absolutely do what is necessary outside the NATO umbrella to meet its own defense needs. If necessary, it should be able to activate the S-400s for this purpose.

NATO should not apply double standards to Turkey on this issue; Greece uses S-300s. Turkey must be more determined in steering NATO in line with its own interests,” he stated. 

'STILL JUST AN ALLEGATION'

Rutte stated, "NATO stands firmly with all its allies, and we have successfully intercepted ballistic missiles directed at Turkey from Iran in three separate incidents."

Regarding this, Gürkan said, “This is still just an allegation. The pieces that fell in Turkey are parts of the missile that intercepted them.

It is not yet clear where the missile itself is. Even if it were directed from Iran, Turkey must be able to ensure its own security outside of the NATO umbrella,” he said.

News: Cenk Başboğaoğlu