Turkey appears to be in an era of veiled provocations through its rhetoric and the upcoming “Blue Homeland” bill concerning Greece and Cyprus. This context gives rise to statements like those made by Yaşar Güler. The country’s Defense Minister addressed members of the 9th Border Brigade Command in Edirne, emphasizing that “activities aimed at arming islands that should have non-military status are incompatible with good neighborly relations, the spirit of alliance and international law.” He made it clear that there is no question of demilitarization in the Aegean islands, Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean. Furthermore, he essentially reiterated that Turkey will respond to moves that affect its rights and security. “It should be absolutely clear that we will not remain indifferent to any attempt that affects our sovereign rights, our security and our legitimate rights and interests in our seas,” he stressed.
Turkey: The contradiction with dialogue and compromises
Essentially, the pattern in Yaşar Güler’s words is familiar, as Turkey’s promotion of itself as a state that resolves its disagreements through dialogue is always accompanied by a complete lack of compromises regarding its national rights and interests. For safety’s sake: “Our rights and interests in the Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus are based on historical, legal and legitimate grounds.” In this way, he declared that he rejects “actions aimed at creating fait accompli that contradict the spirit of international agreements,” while speaking again about “maximalist initiatives.”
This particular position comes while the “Blue Homeland” bill seems certain. In other words, Ankara is protesting without being justified by international law and without any legal validity in its positions on maritime zones. Essentially, this particular bill gives it the flexibility to intervene while being legally covered internally and to present this intervention as its legitimate right. Athens has already expressed its objections practically, as two months ago Patriot defense armaments were transferred to Karpathos. The official position is that there is no cause for concern. Turkey, however, also appears determined to continue the “battle” for the Aegean, even though Greece has made it clear that as long as it continues to act contrary to international law, it will remain unmoved regarding Turkey’s entry into the European Union.
