Devlet Bahceli issues statement on Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus

Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party in Turkey, addressed his parliamentary group regarding ongoing geopolitical tensions. He stated that Turkey will not remain silent regarding developments in the Aegean Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Cyprus that it perceives as detrimental to its interests. Bahceli emphasized that Turkey remains committed to peace but will take a firm stance against any attempts to ignore its security, maritime jurisdictions, or the rights of Turkish Cypriots. He specifically highlighted concerns regarding regional cooperation initiatives involving France, Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, and Israel. Bahceli described these collaborative efforts as attempts to encircle Turkey and cautioned that they should be monitored closely. His remarks reiterate Turkey's position that the rights of Turkish Cypriots must not be decided by external parties. The statement reflects a broader Turkish policy focus on maintaining regional influence and protecting claimed sovereign rights in the Mediterranean.