Turkish Def. Min. wants Greece to share the wealth of the Aegean

Hulusi Akar continues his proclivities. The Turkish Defense Minister gave an indirect answer to the Prime Minister, reiterating the position on joint exploitation of the Aegean.

As reported by Manolis Kostidis from Istanbul, Mr. Akar was asked about many issues, and among other things he mentioned the extension of the moratorium -from May to October-, while he accused Greece of wavering, he repeated that Turkey will not allow any fait accompli and emphasized that the rights of “Turkey and our Cypriot brothers” in Cyprus will be protected.

“The residents on both sides benefit from the wealth of the Aegean in a fair way”

“Now, of course, the elections definitely have an influence. However, we continue our talks with the Minister of Defense of our esteemed peer Greece. There was a train accident there, of course it is a source of sadness for us. We have expressed our condolences to our counterparts. We had a large scale earthquake here and they showed us the necessary courtesy by offering condolences.

As a follow-up, they came to Hatay. We met there, talked, exchanged information. We also had the opportunity to discuss other matters between us. Our desire, as we have always said, is for the wealth of the Aegean to be a resource for both sides. Residents on both sides benefit from the wealth of the Aegean in a fair way.

Extension of the moratorium

To also continue our cooperation in many other sectors, especially in tourism. We have a moratorium that was implemented in 1988. This means: Between June 15 and September 15, let’s not conduct exercises or military activities, let’s not negatively affect tourism.

In fact, during the talks we had there (referring to the Hatay visit) we talked about extending it, starting in May instead of June and ending in October instead of September. For our part, we have stated that we are willing and supportive in this matter and that our only goal is to live in peace and tranquility based on mutual respect. We have repeatedly said that we want to solve our problems through negotiations, within the framework of international law, within the framework of good neighborly relations.

On Cyprus

In this regard, there are some vacillations on the part of our neighbor. We are hoping that they will find the right path and come to the right place in this regard. As we always say, we will not [allow it to] violate our rights and the rights of our Cypriot brothers, especially in Cyprus.

At the same time, we will not allow any fait accompli. Therefore, our statements should not be taken as a threat. It’s not a threat. As it is not a weakness to say ‘let’s sit down and talk’, this must be well understood. Let’s talk as two civilized countries and solve the problem together. We have confidence building measures.

It is something that has been in the making for many years. We spoke with our interlocutors at Greek Army Staff. At that time, they said that our General Staff and theirs had a different status, “these are political issues, we cannot solve them”, they said.

Then he became a minister, we also became ministers. And then we said, “Look, now that things are like this, let’s do it. These problems between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean, and others, are not issues that can be solved immediately. There are economic, historical, political, legal, military dimensions.”

About Confidence Building Measures

Therefore, it should be discussed by the experts first. In this sense, we said: “How many people know better? 10 – 20 people. Bring them and we will. Let them sit, work and process the problems and then bring them to us. Then we will decide.”

They said ok. We held 3 such meetings under the title ‘Confidence Building Measures’. Two in Athens, one in Ankara… Now it’s Ankara’s turn. We said to continue this scheme, there is nothing wrong with it. Let’s keep it closed to the press, let’s not make statements, let’s not share, etc… it’s better that way.

We just need to make progress towards an agreement. Let the experts do the talking. Actually, these 3 meetings were very productive. Everyone got to know each other, their approaches to the problem, their perspectives, their solution styles, their cultural perspectives, their psychology began to reveal itself. Now we are waiting for the delegation of our interlocutors to come to Turkey after the elections…”.