08.05.2025 15:51
Sources from the Ministry of National Defense announced that for the first time in NATO history, a Turkish general will serve as a director at the NATO International Military Headquarters. Brigadier General Eray Ündüger has been appointed as the Director of Cooperation and Security.
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) responded to journalists' questions at the weekly press briefing.
Ministry sources shared the following information regarding questions about the selection of a Turkish General for the position of Director of Cooperative Security at NATO's International Military Headquarters:
"Our country, as a strong and reliable Ally of NATO, is making significant contributions to the peace and security of the Alliance."
"OUR COUNTRY IS MAKING IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATO"
"For the first time in NATO history, Turkey will be represented at the director level at NATO's International Military Headquarters (International Military Staff-IMS) in Brussels. In this context, Brigadier General Eray ÜNGÜDER has been selected for the critically important position of Director of Cooperative Security. Throughout his term, our General will undertake critical tasks in strengthening cooperation with NATO's Partner Countries and international organizations, developing military policies for NATO Capacity Building, and establishing stability beyond NATO's borders. The selection of our personnel for this critical role should be seen as an important indicator of Turkey's active role in NATO and its contribution to the security and stability of the Alliance.
Our country will continue to make contributions to the peace and security of the Alliance as a strong and reliable Ally of NATO.
"WE DO NOT WANT NEW CONFLICTS IN OUR REGION AND THE WORLD"
Ministry sources made the following assessments regarding questions about the tension between Pakistan and India:
"We emphasize at every opportunity that we do not want new conflicts in our region and the world, and we condemn attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. We hope that the tension between the two countries will be reduced as soon as possible and that mechanisms, including counter-terrorism, will be established to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, urging both parties to act with common sense."
"LEGAL PROCEEDINGS HAVE BEEN INITIATED REGARDING FALSE NEWS"
Ministry sources commented on reports that the term "Separatist Terrorist Organization" was removed from the MSB's recent martyr statement:
"Deliberate and systematic perception operations against our Ministry and the Turkish Armed Forces continue. The claims that the term 'separatist terrorist organization' was removed from our statements regarding our martyrs and that the phrase 'placed by the separatist terrorist organization' regarding mine/IED attacks was removed for the first time do not reflect the truth.
When the information provided about our martyrs is examined, it will be seen that different expressions have been used depending on the circumstances of the incident. Recently, an attempt has been made to create the perception that there has been a change in the stance of the MSB and TSK towards the separatist terrorist organization and all its extensions. The stance and position of the MSB and TSK towards the separatist terrorist organization and all its extensions is clear. There is no change in this stance.
It is clear that trying to disconnect a text that shares a deep pain and sorrow for the purpose of informing the public from false claims, and attempting to create a rift between us and the precious families of our martyrs, is not compatible with any moral or humanitarian values and targets our unity and solidarity. Legal proceedings have been initiated regarding the aforementioned false news that attempts to mislead the public."
"WE DO NOT APPROVE OF ISRAEL'S AIR OPERATIONS OVER SYRIA"
Ministry sources responded to questions regarding reports of tensions between Israel and Syria:
"First of all, we recommend that only official sources be trusted for statements.
We do not approve of Israel's air operations over Syria. These air operations serve no purpose other than to disrupt stability in Syria. Moreover, like many countries, the United Nations has also reacted to Israel's attacks on Syria, calling for their cessation. In line with the request of the new Syrian government, coordination activities with all elements in the region continue to ensure the safe conduct of our activities in the field."