Important warning from CHP's Bağcıoğlu on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean: 'Activities must be increased'

Yankı Bağcıoğlu, Deputy Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP) responsible for National Defense Policies, made a notable assessment regarding the current situation in the Eastern Mediterranean. In a written statement, Bağcıoğlu expressed that protecting Turkey's rights in the region has gained more importance than ever.

Bağcıoğlu drew attention to the Greek Cypriot Administration's (GCA) attempts to open its military bases and ports to other countries, as well as the exclusive economic zone agreement between the GCA and Lebanon. He also noted that Greece's expansion of its exploration and exploitation area off the south of Crete and the Peloponnese from 48 thousand square kilometers to 94 thousand square kilometers must be closely monitored by Turkey. The CHP official criticized the fact that, despite these developments, Turkey's research and drilling activities in the Mediterranean have come to a standstill.

Bağcıoğlu stated, "While all these developments are taking place, the fact that our country, which possesses the largest research and drilling fleet in the Mediterranean, is one of only three countries—along with Syria and Lebanon—that is not conducting research or drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean 'as of the current situation' creates a situation that requires explanation. It is self-evident that every seismic research activity conducted in our maritime jurisdiction areas and every drilling well dug is of vital importance for the registration of our rights arising from international law and for achieving long-term gains through state practice."

Yankı Bağcıoğlu recalled that no activities have been conducted in certain areas of the Eastern Mediterranean since December 2020, stating that conducting research studies and showing the flag in these areas is mandatory for national interests. The CHP executive emphasized that the process is critical not only for national security but also for the permanent recognition of Turkey's rights within the framework of international law.

Bağcıoğlu also stated that while the Center for Combating Disinformation said in its statement dated October 1, 2025, that "Turkey continues its oil and natural gas exploration activities in a planned manner on its own continental shelf and in the license areas allocated to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," this does not find a karşılık in terms of implementation on the ground.

Stating that "the Blue Homeland concept must be taken beyond being a slogan remembered only during election periods and that necessary actions must be taken in the Eastern Mediterranean," Bağcıoğlu's statements highlighted warnings that if a clear roadmap is not drawn regarding developments in the region, Turkey's long-term interests could be harmed.