Allegations of weapons distribution to 15-year-olds: Striking statements from Aziz Ergen

Retired Staff Colonel Aziz Ergen was a guest on the 12punto program hosted by veteran journalist Tuncay Mollaveisoğlu. During the program, shocking allegations were raised regarding the distribution of weapons to 15-year-old children in the Greek Cypriot Administration.

In his statements on the program, Aziz Ergen stated that weapons are being distributed to 15-year-old children in the Greek Cypriot Administration with the knowledge of the government. Ergen said, "There is a militia structure. We knew some things very superficially, but priests and members of parliament there were made to practice shooting. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a condemnation, but the Turkish public is unaware of this situation."

Ergen also stated that the PKK has training and logistical support camps in Southern Cyprus, and that when he was the head of the Department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime in Ankara in the 2000s, they knew that drug trafficking from the Middle East to Europe was being conducted via Southern Cyprus. He added, "The PKK was acting as a subcontractor in this business. Now, the Greek Cypriot administration has close ties with the PKK dating back to the past. We know that the PYD opened a representative office in Southern Cyprus in January 2022."

Aziz Ergen's allegations raise questions about why Southern Cyprus is arming itself to such an extent and the motives behind distributing weapons to 15-year-olds. Stating that this situation should be brought to the agenda of Turkish politics and parliament, Ergen said, "Perhaps many politicians will be hearing about this situation for the first time today."

Following these allegations, it is awaited with curiosity how the issue will resonate in Turkey and the international arena.