Turkish Defense Minister criticizes military cooperation in Cyprus

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero published on Friday, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler expressed concerns regarding regional stability. Guler criticized the deployment of European Union-backed defense systems around Cyprus, characterizing the move as an attempt by Greece and the Republic of Cyprus to increase their military presence on the island. The minister argued that such actions escalate regional tensions. Conversely, he reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to protecting the rights and security of the Turkish-Cypriot community in the northern part of the island. He further stated that Turkey will not compromise its national interests and aims to contribute to regional stability as a constructive player. Guler emphasized that international conflicts carry heavy human and economic costs, suggesting that diplomatic solutions are preferable to military ones. He concluded that no regional crisis can be permanently resolved through military methods alone.