Yaşar Güler: Threats against the Aegean, Alexandroupoli, and electrical connection with Cyprus from Türkiye’s Defense Minister

Türkiye’s Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, issued threats and warnings against Greece during his speech in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. He described U.S. military installations in Alexandroupoli as a threat to Türkiye’s security. Using the Kasos incident as an example, he argued that Türkiye has established its position that “no project can proceed without its approval.”

Güler expressed Türkiye’s concerns over the close Greece-U.S. defense collaboration, emphasizing Alexandroupoli, and stated:
“The deployment of U.S. military elements in Alexandroupoli affects the strategic balance in the region and directly impacts Türkiye’s security policies. We are closely monitoring these developments and taking necessary diplomatic and military measures to protect our national security interests,” he said.

The minister extensively addressed Greece-Türkiye relations and Türkiye’s measures to safeguard its “rights” in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, asserting:
“No activity in the Eastern Mediterranean can take place without Türkiye’s consent.”

Referring to the “Blue Homeland” concept, said Türkiye has countered Greece’s and the Greek Cypriot Administration’s “maximalist and illegal demands” by signing agreements such as the maritime delimitation deal with the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the illegal Türkiye-Libya memorandum, and by submitting outer continental shelf boundaries to the UN.

He also stressed Türkiye’s decisive stance to prevent “unauthorized activities on its continental shelf.”

The Kasos Incident

Regarding the July incident near Kasos, Güler claimed Turkish forces stopped cable-laying activities by the Italian vessel Ievoli Relume in what he called “Türkiye’s continental shelf.” He alleged that the Italian ship eventually complied, recognizing Türkiye’s jurisdiction, after initially working in Greece’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

It is noted that the Italian vessel was outside Greek territorial waters but within Greece’s EEZ as defined in its agreement with Egypt. Despite not being required, the ship had informed Turkish authorities of its activities, prompting Türkiye to issue a NAVTEX in an area where Greece holds the authority for such notices.

The Bern Protocol

Güler’s remarks highlighted the challenges ahead, as the Ievoli Relume plans new surveys east of Crete toward Cyprus. The Turkish defense minister accused Greece of trying to impose “faits accomplis” in disputed Aegean areas, which he claimed are addressed by Türkiye’s Foreign and Defense Ministries.

Referring to the Bern Protocol, Güler claimed Greece attempted unauthorized activities within Türkiye’s “potential continental shelf” in the Aegean, violating the 1976 Bern Agreement between the two countries. However, the Bern Protocol is inactive and originally pertained to seismic hydrocarbon research, not cable-laying, which is unrestricted in international waters.

Militarization of Islands

Güler also addressed questions about Kastellorizo and the “militarization of islands,” asserting that Ankara will exercise its treaty rights to counter violations by the arming of Kastellorizo and 23 other Aegean islands, which deems a breach of international agreements.

F-35 and Armaments

The Turkish defense minister discussed Türkiye defense programs, announcing progress in acquiring F-35s. He claimed the U.S. changed its stance after Türkiye advancements in developing the KAAN fighter jet. Türkiye reportedly intends to purchase 40 F-35s and is also acquiring 40 F-16 Block 70 Viper jets.

Güler revealed Türkiye canceled the modernization of 79 F-16s by the U.S., emphasizing that its domestic defense industry can now independently execute such projects.

Regarding the S-400 missile systems, Güler stated that storage areas have been designated, and the systems would be relocated to specific regions if threats emerge. He implied there was understanding with the U.S. on this matter.

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