14.04.2025 13:00
The Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler, held a video teleconference meeting with Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak and unit commanders. During the meeting, regarding the PKK terrorist organization, which has been stalling the disarmament process, it was stated, "Any entity that insists on not laying down arms and seeks to fuel division rather than brotherhood will continue to be a legitimate target for us, just as it was yesterday."
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Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler chaired a video teleconference meeting with the participation of Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak, Commander of the Naval Forces Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Land Forces General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Commander of the Air Forces General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, and Deputy Ministers Alpaslan Kavaklıoğlu, Bilal Durdalı, and Musa Heybet, along with the commanders of units both within the country and across the border.
Minister Yaşar Güler stated the following during the meeting:
"THE TSK STRENGTHENS OUR COUNTRY BOTH ON THE FIELD AND AT THE TABLE"
We are going through a process where multidimensional threats, conflicts, and uncertainties are intensifying in our region and the world. These developments compel us to be more cautious, more prepared, and more resilient not only in our immediate surroundings but also on a global scale.
The security and survival of our country is not limited to protecting our borders. An effective, deterrent, and ready Turkish Armed Forces in land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains is also a guarantee of peace and stability.
The Turkish Armed Forces continue to carry out their duties with great determination, faith, and resolve, just as they have until today, and the responsibilities each of you carry out with this awareness strengthen our country's hand both on the field and at the table.
"TURKEY HAS AN UNDENIABLE EXPERIENCE IN SYRIA"
Establishing stability in Syria, preserving territorial integrity, and ensuring that the new government establishes legitimate authority throughout the country are critically important for the future of our region. In this context, as the TSK, we continue to support the construction of Syria's security and defense capacity. We are continuing our fight against all terrorist organizations, especially ISIS.
In this framework, increasing regional ownership through our contacts with regional countries and the planned establishment of a joint operations center is aimed to serve peace in accordance with international law.
We observe that some actions and initiatives in Syria sometimes reach a level that undermines stability. Turkey has an undeniable experience on the ground and is recognized as a source of solutions, especially by the new Syrian government.
"THE TSK IS NOT A THREAT TO ANYONE WHO DOES NOT POSE A THREAT TO IT"
We are in favor of resolving issues in the region through dialogue. Our aim is to prevent any unwanted incidents from occurring in the region.
However, I would like to emphasize this point particularly; we will not allow these developments to hinder the fulfillment of the region's essential needs and demands.
Turkey's positive approach should not be exploited by any actor. This approach is meant to contribute to the search for stability in the region; it will never be allowed to become a source of motivation for meaningless ambitions, faits accomplis, or new balance games by certain circles.
As we have always stated, the Turkish Armed Forces are not a threat to anyone who does not pose a threat to them. On the contrary, they have brought stability, peace, and tranquility wherever they go. However, it should be known that we will not tolerate any misinterpretation of this goodwill approach.
"THE PROCESS IS BEING MONITORED CAREFULLY"
The withdrawal and handover process in certain regions under the agreement reached between the new Syrian government and the SDF is being monitored carefully. At this point, Turkey's expectations and concerns have been communicated openly to the counterparts.
On this occasion, I would also like to touch upon the issue of combating terrorism. We are closely following the process that has evolved from the baseless and fruitless ambitions of the PKK terrorist organization to a perspective of a rational initiative. This approach, entrusted to the fair and compassionate hand of the state, will of course be supported in the most sincere and genuine way. The reflections of this are being observed firsthand, including by those on the ground.
Recently, the statements and approaches of individuals shaping the future of the field, who have surrendered and made declarations, also reflect this situation. Developments will make sense when implemented with sincerity and determination.
In this process, I would like to emphasize the following point:
Every initiative that is truly in favor of peace will be supported. However, those who try to exploit the process, play for time, or use this ground as a propaganda tool will always find a determined Turkey against them.
"ANY ENTITY THAT DOES NOT LAY DOWN ITS ARMS WILL CONTINUE TO BE OUR LEGITIMATE TARGET"
No statement, no declaration, holds any value in our eyes if it is not supported by action. The complete eradication of all forms of terrorism will contribute not only to our country's peace but also to the peace of the region and the world.
Any entity that insists on not laying down its arms and seeks to fuel division rather than brotherhood will continue to be our legitimate target, just as it was yesterday and will be today.
In this regard, the stance of our state is clear:
The sabotage of the process will never be allowed; no structure that threatens the security of society will be tolerated.
TURKEY AS A GLOBAL SECURITY PROVIDER
The tasks we undertake in Libya, Somalia, the Black Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, and within the European security architecture demonstrate that Turkey is a global security provider. The activities we carry out under NATO and our international peace missions reflect the honorable stance of our nation.
In this context, in addition to the training and exercises we participate in with our land, air, and naval elements, our units in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue their duties successfully. Our Reserve Commando Battalion, which took over the mission from the Italian Battalion on December 1, 2024, to contribute to the security of Kosovo, successfully fulfilled its duty during a critical period when Kosovo's general elections were also held, and transferred its mission to the Multinational Battalion on April 1, 2025, returning to Turkey without any issues.
While increasing our competence on the ground through our exercises, we are also leading efforts to establish peace in our region through our diplomatic initiatives. The Turkish Armed Forces, which are a guarantee of peace, stability, and security across a wide geography from Ukraine to Africa, will continue to carry out their duties with the same determination and discipline as they have until today.
Dear friends, as you can see, our agenda continues with increasing intensity. The decisions you make and your determination and resolve in implementation make a difference, and your professionalism in execution is the key to success.
On this occasion, I would like to thank all my comrades in arms and colleagues on duty, and I greet each of you with love and respect. May your path and fortune be open.
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