Turkish National Security Council: Turkey to Continue Contributing to Lasting Peace in the Region
Ankara, June 19 – The Turkish National Security Council (NSC) convened under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, concluding with a communiqué emphasizing Turkey’s continued active contribution to efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in the region. The meeting, which lasted approximately two hours, addressed a range of critical national and international issues.
Focus on Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime
The communiqué stated that the Council was briefed on ongoing and successful operations both domestically and abroad against terrorist organizations, particularly PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG, FETÖ, and DEAŞ, which pose threats to Turkey’s national unity, solidarity, and survival. The Council evaluated efforts to achieve the goals of a ‘Turkey Free of Terrorism’ and a ‘Region Free of Terrorism,’ reaffirming a strong determination to rid the nation and its neighbors of the heavy burden of terrorism.
Operations against organized crime were also discussed, with an emphasis on the resolute continuation of steps taken to ensure the peace and security of all citizens, especially children and youth.
Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus
Regarding developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, the communiqué underscored Turkey’s capacity and determination, as a guarantor country, to take all necessary measures within the framework of international law for the security, peace, and welfare of Turkish Cypriots. It was also noted that no fait accompli that would undermine the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) or disrupt the peace in the Eastern Mediterranean would be tolerated.
Global Developments and Regional Stability
The NSC expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached between Iran and the United States, stressing the importance of preventing any disruption to the process. Turkey reiterated its commitment to actively contribute to efforts for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Progress made in establishing peace, stability, and tranquility in Syria was welcomed, and Turkey’s support for efforts to strengthen Syria’s unity, integrity, and development was underlined.
The communiqué criticized the Israeli administration for its continued ceasefire violations in Gaza, settler terrorism in the West Bank, and attacks on the status of East Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as its aggressive actions against Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These actions, the NSC stated, negatively affect efforts to establish peace and stability in the region. The international community was called upon to adopt a principled stance against the Israeli administration’s persistent disregard for universal humanitarian values and international law.
Turkey reaffirmed its strong will to continue strategic cooperation with the new Iraqi government across all fields, emphasizing support for maintaining stability and security in Iraq.
The latest situation in the Russia-Ukraine War was also discussed. Parties responsible for the escalation of conflicts and their spread, particularly to the Black Sea and adjacent regions, were urged to take immediate steps towards a just and lasting peace.
Developments across the African continent were evaluated, with Turkey reiterating its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of friendly and brotherly African countries, and for establishing peace, stability, and prosperity on the continent. Recent progress in strengthening peace, stability, and cooperation in the South Caucasus was also addressed.
Source: DHA
