The Turkish National Assembly’s Defence Committee under its chairman, Houloussi Akar (former Defence Minister), paid a visit to the occupied territories a few days ago. As part of its illegal visit, the delegation of Turkish MPs, among other things, visited the enclosed area of occupied Famagusta and held many meetings.
The Defence Committee has visited the infrastructures of the occupying army and has been informed about the implementation of plans to upgrade the Turkish military presence in occupied Cyprus. During his visit, Houloussi Akar also said several things during his visit that were not rhetorical but expressed official Turkish policy.
First, Akar assured that Ankara will continue to do everything it can to ensure that “t.d.b.k.” reaches an economically prosperous level, as well as to ensure the security and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Secondly, referring to the geopolitical importance of Cyprus, he said that the Turks of Cyprus have the ability and synergy to overcome the difficulties they face. Stressing that Turkey respects international law and does not covet anyone’s territory, he said that nothing will be allowed to happen in Cyprus.
Thirdly, he also sent a registered message with threats: “Turkey can ensure its security in the air, on land and at sea. Let no one enter into an adventure in the Eastern Mediterranean, in the Aegean, these are futile efforts, they have no meaning, no significance.”
All this has been said over and over again. At the same time, however, the context in which they are said also matters. A government deputy, who also served as defense minister, and who knows the facts in occupied Turkey how the Erdogan regime operates, cannot express personal opinions.
What is Ankara planning?
As for the rest, Akar said the goal is to recognize the pseudo-state. He expressed confidence that the pseudo-state will become a full member of the Organization of Turkic States – Türk Devletleri Teşkilatı (TDT). “Regardless of what the EU, other countries, and the United Nations say and do, we will continue to run and not walk in the direction of the plans and goals we believe in. Turkish Cypriot politicians, business, and academia must continue their work with one heart and one fist.”
All this while attempts are being made to maintain the Greek-Turkish melo and to create the image – on the part of the US and the EU – that everything is going well on this front. What Erdogan (with references to Greece and Cyprus) and other Turkish officials have said in recent days cannot be considered a coincidence.
