Turkey’s National Security Council convenes: Emphasis on Eastern Mediterranean

* Photo: Mustafa Kamacı / AA

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The National Security Council (NSC) convened under the chairpersonship of President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan yesterday (September 24).

The written statement issued after the NSC meeting has specifically referred to the escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean:

"The countries, which are engaged in activities that contravene international law and agreements, first and foremost the militarization of the islands with non-military status, were called on to act with commonsense; and it was stated that Turkey is in favor of dialogue as a priority and on every platform for fair sharing of natural resources in the region."

Underscoring that "the activities of the actors that resort to escalating tensions over the differences of opinion regarding maritime jurisdiction areas in the Eastern Mediterranean were addressed," the statement has read:

"It was reiterated that the Turkish Nation will not make any concession on the protection of its rights, relevance and interests on land, at sea and in air, as has been the case thus far.

'Countries should act with commonsense'

"The countries, which are engaged in activities that contravene international law and agreements, first and foremost the militarization of the islands with non-military status, were called on to act with commonsense; and it was stated that Turkey is in favor of dialogue as a priority and on every platform for fair sharing of natural resources in the region.

"It was underscored that Turkey, which stands by justice, fairness and equity in every regional and global conflict, pursues the same framework in its attitudes and actions in the Eastern Mediterranean as well; and all the organizations, the European Union in particular, and the intervening states in the conflicts were called on to respect this principled stance of our country and the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus."

'International community should take concrete steps'

Regarding Libya and Syria, it has been also noted that "Turkey, which, in a legitimate manner, contributes to the fight against terror and the establishment of stability in Syria and Libya, will maintain its stance in order for these countries to find peace and welfare; and that the international community was called on to take concrete steps against illegitimate groups and terrorist organizations, which usurp the freedoms and resources of the oppressed peoples, as well as against actors that back them."

The statement has further indicated that "the National Security Council was briefed on the operations conducted both at home and abroad against all the terrorist organizations which pose a threat to our national unity and solidarity and our survival." (EKN/SD)