Ministry of National Defense reacts to Cyprus monument initiative at EP: Historical facts are being distorted

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has reacted to the European Parliament's (EP) initiative to build a monument in its Strasbourg building for Greek Cypriots who lost their lives in 1974. The Ministry described the allegations against the Cyprus Peace Operation and the Turkish Armed Forces as "baseless."

MSB Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk held a weekly press briefing at the National Defense University Multinational Joint Warfare Center Command in Istanbul. Following the meeting, the Ministry responded to journalists' questions regarding the monument project at the EP.

We vehemently reject the baseless allegations against the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, which saved the Turkish Cypriot people from systematic attacks and massacres and brought peace and tranquility to the Island, and against our heroic Turkish Armed Forces.

The statement noted that the recommendation by the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality to allocate funds for a "so-called monument project" by the Greek Cypriot Administration targeting the Turkish Armed Forces is "a new example of a biased approach aimed at distorting historical facts."

The MSB argued that the European Union and its institutions have ignored the systematic attacks on Turkish Cypriots and the actions of EOKA between 1963 and 1974. The statement expressed that basing decisions on the unilateral claims and rhetoric of the Greek Cypriot Administration will not contribute to the resolution of the Cyprus issue.

The Ministry called on third parties to adopt a "fair and impartial stance in light of historical facts," emphasizing that the Turkish Armed Forces have been the guarantor of peace and stability on the Island for over 50 years. The statement indicated that the necessary response will be given to attitudes targeting the security of the Turkish Cypriot people.

SECURITY TOPICS ALSO ADDRESSED AT THE MEETING

In his weekly briefing, Aktürk also shared data on counter-terrorism and border security. According to the data, 2 PKK members surrendered during the week; 790 people attempting to cross the border illegally were apprehended, and 887 people were prevented from crossing the border.

The MSB Spokesperson also reported that the NATO Communicators Conference was hosted between September 7-10, with the participation of 542 communicators from 42 countries. It was noted that the meeting evaluated strategic communication, combating disinformation, the use of artificial intelligence tools, and communication approaches regarding the changing security environment.

Responding to a question regarding the dissolution and integration process of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Ministry announced that the process is being closely monitored within the framework of Syria's territorial integrity and the "one state, one army" concept. It was stated that the handover of weapons and military vehicles to the Syrian army is a natural requirement of the integration process.