Defense Minister Guler addresses current affairs, regional security concerns
Defense Minister Yasar Guler addresses a range of pressing issues including counterterrorism efforts in northern Iraq, border security and diplomatic challenges
Speaking on CNN Turk, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler answered questions regarding current affairs.
Minister Guler explained the latest situation in the ongoing operations in northern Iraq. He expressed satisfaction with the change in attitude of Iraqi officials regarding the PKK.
He emphasized that Iraq is a historical neighbor, and Türkiye aims to maintain good relations. Guler said that the PKK has settled in northern Iraq and has been conducting activities from there for years.
He mentioned that the PKK crosses the border from there to carry out attacks, saying, “That’s why we will consume terrorism at its source. We said we would constantly conduct operations instead of ending the sporadic operations we conducted.” Guler also highlighted that the PKK has displaced 800 villages in Iraq, leaving civilians in dire conditions.
Emphasizing PKK’s cross-border activities, Guler said, “That’s why we will eradicate terrorism at its source. We said we would constantly conduct operations instead of ending the sporadic operations we conducted.” Guler also highlighted that the PKK has displaced 800 villages in Iraq, leaving civilians in dire conditions.
Guler criticized Iran’s stance on the PKK terrorist group, saying, “We talk to our Iranian friends, ‘Look, they crossed from this point to the other side, they went there, and we are following them. We are watching from UAVs and drones.’ Our Iranian friends respond, ‘We looked there, but there is no one there.’ This is not a pleasant approach. Of course, we are uncomfortable.”
‘Destroying terrorists at their source’
Guler mentioned that in Sulaymaniyah, under the control of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the PKK terrorist organization can move freely. He said, “We’ve made it clear to the PUK and to all concerned parties. In our recent meeting, our president reiterated this message. If you seek peace in the region, eradicate this terrorist organization. Forge a new environment for peaceful coexistence with your people. We stand ready to support these efforts.”
Regarding cross-border operations, Guler said, “We have changed our principles of counterterrorism. We are fighting with the strategy of destroying terrorists at their source.”
Guler noted that Turkish security forces have maintained a presence in northern Iraq for five to six years, causing the terrorist organization to withdraw from its positions during this time. He emphasized that necessary steps would continue to be taken to eliminate terrorism at its source.
‘It is not possible to cross our borders’
Guler emphasized that the systems established for Türkiye’s border security are sufficient.
Güler mentioned that some countries have engaged in discussions to illegally install similar border security systems as Türkiye’s. He stated that every effort is made to deter illegal border crossings, with 60,000 personnel stationed at the borders around the clock.
Guler emphasized the importance of Turkish territory, stating that security forces are always ready against potential threats.
Eurofighter issue will be resolved shortly’
Guler said that Türkiye aims to purchase Eurofighter jets, but Germany, one of the producing countries, has encountered difficulties on this issue.
“The Eurofighter is produced jointly by many countries, and such a situation cannot be accepted between two members of an organization like NATO,” Guler stated. “Germany has reiterated their refusal to accept this situation at every opportunity.”
“I personally believe that this issue will be resolved shortly. Especially giving Eurofighters to Saudi Arabia may be a start. I believe it will be resolved,” he added.
Referring to Greece’s purchase of F-35 fighter jets, Guler stated that this aircraft alone does not pose a capability challenge to Türkiye in the Aegean region.
Expressing contentment with Greece, a NATO member, acquiring F-35 fighter jets, Güler added, “Our KAAN is on its way. We will patiently await our own aircraft. Additionally, we are uncertain about the future of the F-35 program with our American allies.”
Cyprus issue
Guler mentioned that the Turkish stance in Cyprus is notably positive. He noted that the European Union proposed a referendum in Cyprus, where those who vote “Yes” would become members and those who vote “No” would remain non-members.
Guler said, “The Turkish community said ‘Yes.’ The Greek community mostly said ‘No.’ In the end, the EU made those who said ‘No’ a member. They excluded our Turkish brothers. There has been peace there for 50 years. The Turkish army went there in 1974. In fact, we brought stability to the Greek side as well. There has been no conflict or war for 50 years. We brought peace to both the north and the south.”
Guler emphasized that Cyprus is a national issue, stating that a solution can be found if an equal and sovereign two-state solution is applied.
‘Türkiye now a country that cannot fit into its shell’
Guler highlighted Türkiye’s enhanced capabilities across various domains, stating, “Türkiye has expanded its reach in every aspect. We are a country that cannot confine ourselves. Our presence extends from Somalia to Bosnia, from Azerbaijan to Central Asia alongside our brothers.”
Source: Newsroom
