CHP says 'maps are being redrawn' and issues an important warning: 'Must be protected with determination'

Bağcıoğlu stated that the armament activities of the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA), which have gained momentum through international military collaborations, threaten regional security, and expressed that the defense rights of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) must be protected with determination.

He emphasized that a strong defense industry would neutralize all initiatives in the region targeting Turkey.

Bağcıoğlu made the following assessments in his written statement:

“The new regulations by the US that include the GCA in military training programs and allow its participation in multilateral exercises should be evaluated as an effort by the Greek side to gain international legitimacy for its armament policy. In particular, the procurement of air defense systems from Israel and other defense collaborations have the potential to escalate tension in the Eastern Mediterranean. The GCA's effort to develop military capacity in this way, while remaining outside of NATO and the CPE program, is a clear threat to the security of the TRNC and regional balances.

Despite the UK's guarantor responsibilities, its rapprochement with Southern Cyprus and the support it provides at a military-political level are also noteworthy. The visit of the British Prime Minister to the GCA after 53 years creates a ground that could affect the military balance on the island. It should not be forgotten that the UK, as a guarantor country, must remain neutral.

The armament efforts that the Greek side has accelerated under the pretext of a so-called 'security threat,' which it constantly brings to the agenda, pose a threat not only to the TRNC but to the entire island and the Eastern Mediterranean. These activities are aimed at disrupting the military balance on the island and could pave the way for larger crises in the long term.

At this point, the importance of our strong defense industry emerges once again. Turkey continuously developing its own defense industry capacity by taking into account the warnings made and the recommendations we have brought to the agenda is a strategic necessity not only for our national security but also for neutralizing the games intended to be played in our region. A modern and deterrent defense infrastructure will eliminate these threats intended to be created through Southern Cyprus and will guarantee the security of the Blue Homeland.

Turkey must demonstrate its deterrence in the field of defense more strongly than ever in protecting the security and sovereign rights of the TRNC. The disruption of strategic balances in the region to the detriment of the TRNC and Turkey must not be allowed,” he said.

News Source: 12punto