NSC meeting concludes: Emphasis on counter-terrorism

The first National Security Council (NSC) meeting of the year, chaired by President Erdoğan, has concluded. The meeting, held at the Presidential Complex, lasted approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.

In the NSC statement shared by the Presidential Directorate of Communications following the meeting, the determination in the fight against terrorism was emphasized once again. The statement noted that political, military, and economic developments of importance to our national security were evaluated within the framework of the Turkey axis in the Century of Turkey, and that issues likely to be faced in 2024, as well as the activities to be carried out and measures to be taken in this context, were discussed.

"TERRORISM" EMPHASIS

The statement indicated that the council was briefed on operations carried out with perseverance, determination, and success both domestically and abroad against all kinds of threats and dangers to national unity, solidarity, and survival, primarily from terrorist organizations PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG, FETÖ, and DAESH.

Underlining that the national security policy Turkey implements with determination cannot be thwarted by plans constructed through proxy terrorist organizations, the statement said, "It has been reminded once again that we will continue to target all terrorist organizations and their extensions that pose a threat to our country, within the framework of our rights stemming from international law, without regard to time and place. It was emphasized that the greatest support for our Turkish Armed Forces, security forces, and intelligence units, which eliminate those who intend to disturb our peace by not even letting them approach our borders, is the unwavering support they receive from our noble nation."

The statement, which expressed that increasing contacts with Iraq strengthen efforts to ensure peace in the common geography, especially regarding concrete steps to be taken in the fight against terrorist organizations, included the following: "It has been assessed that lasting peace and stability, which will guarantee the prosperity of all countries in our region, can only be possible through the establishment of a security environment cleared of terrorism."

"WAR IN GAZA" ADDRESSED

Noting that Israel's continuation of the massacres it is carrying out in Gaza will cause the peace and security environment and delicate balances in the region to be disrupted in a way that cannot be compensated, and will lead to the spread of conflicts, the statement recorded the following:

"As observed once again, it has been stated that the reform of the current international system, which cannot prevent the crimes against humanity committed in Gaza, with all its institutions and rules, primarily the United Nations, based on equity, is a matter of urgency for ensuring global peace and stability. It has been stated that Turkey will continue its persistent and determined stance regarding stopping the bloodshed in Gaza, delivering humanitarian aid without interruption or obstruction, ensuring a fair and lasting peace based on the 1967 borders, and reforming the international system."

While it was stated that the latest developments in the Red Sea were evaluated at the meeting and attention was drawn to the importance of resolving the current situation, which also includes the reflections of the Palestinian issue and has negative effects on global stability, as soon as possible, it was reported that the situation in Libya, Somalia, and Sudan and possible developments were discussed, and that Turkey would continue its efforts to resolve existing issues by supporting the territorial integrity of friendly and brotherly countries in contact with the relevant parties.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

While the statement pointed to the importance of ending the Russia-Ukraine War, which increases regional and global risks, with an urgent ceasefire and the establishment of a lasting peace, it was stated that Turkey would maintain its approach and practices aimed at eliminating existing risks meticulously within the framework of the Montreux regime, and would preserve its efforts towards the dominance of peace and stability in the Black Sea through initiatives in the context of food security as well as practices such as the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group.

The statement released after the meeting also said, "It was emphasized that in addition to our successes in the defense industry, which is one of the issues forming the basis of our national security, our breakthroughs in science and technology, crowned by the steps we have taken in space, will be carried out with determination by benefiting from the dreams of our children, who are the guarantee of tomorrow, the perseverance of our youth, and the high potential of our country."