Turkey 'surrounded by terror threats,' according to National Security Council
The National Security Council (NSC) convened its regular meeting in Beştepe. In the statement issued by the NSC General Secretariat, it was observed that the primary threat perception towards all of Turkey's eastern neighbors was classified as "terrorism."
At the beginning of the statement, "all kinds of threats and dangers to our national unity and solidarity, as well as to our survival" were said to be caused by "PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG, FETÖ, and ISIS" listed as components.
The developments that resulted in the loss of over a hundred lives in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, were assessed as the "legitimate resistance of the Syrian people against the PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG terrorist organization." However, there was no mention of the large-scale humanitarian crisis that began with mass migrations.
The activities of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus were referred to as a "double standard attitude" towards the sovereignty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
All the points in the statement collectively painted a picture of Turkey being surrounded by regional tensions and threats. The NSC's description of the situation is as follows:
"Terrorism"
1. Information about operations conducted with determination, resolve, and success both domestically and abroad against all kinds of threats and dangers to our national unity and solidarity, as well as to our survival, primarily including terrorist organizations such as PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG, FETÖ, and ISIS, was presented to the Council.
"Clean-up" in Syria
2. It was noted that the legitimate resistance shown by the Syrian people against the PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG terrorist organization, which kills innocent people, forcibly recruits children, and exploits the natural resources of the country, is the biggest obstacle to peace and stability. The determination to cleanse the separatist terrorist organization from our region was emphasized, and actors who continue to support this criminal network were reminded of their obligations arising from international law and human rights.
"Terror" in Kirkuk
3. It was indicated that Turkey will continue to provide maximum support to the friendly and brotherly Iraqi people, who have been facing significant challenges for nearly half a century. It was underlined that preserving peace and completely eliminating terrorist organizations in Kirkuk, which constitutes one of the most outstanding examples of the culture of living together peacefully, is among the main principles of our policy in the region.
"Double standard" in Cyprus
4. It was stated that the double-standard approach and activities of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force towards the sovereignty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the most basic humanitarian needs of the Turkish Cypriots do not comply with the obligation of neutrality and tarnish its reputation. In this context, the need to put the activities of the peacekeeping force in the TRNC on a legal basis through a written agreement with the TRNC authorities, within the framework of the rights arising from international law and treaties, was once again emphasized. It was highlighted that Turkey will continue to be the guarantor of the security and peace of the Turkish Cypriots within the framework of its rights arising from international law and agreements.
"Ethnic cleansing" in Nagorno-Karabakh
5. It was reminded to all parties, especially Armenia, that the road to lasting peace in the South Caucasus can only be opened by fully and unconditionally establishing the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan and fulfilling the obligations under international law and commitments that will contribute to the prosperity of all countries in our region. It was stated that Turkey will continue to support efforts for permanent peace and stability in the region.
Black Sea Grain Initiative
6. Recent developments regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine and steps that can be taken, including the revitalization of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, were discussed. Turkey's determination to continue its efforts to end the war promptly with a fair and lasting peace was confirmed. (AEK/VK)