Newsletters
Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense stated on Thursday that no Turkish military delegation was present at Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase before or during Israel’s attack, while calling on Israel to end “reckless attacks” in Syria.
The ministry said the Israeli strike targeted Syria's stability, security, unity, territorial integrity and infrastructure and called the attacks on Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity unacceptable.
"We state that there was no Turkish military delegation at the base before or during the attack carried out by Israel on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria," the Defense Ministry said.
The ministry made the statement after a weekly press briefing held aboard the TCG Kochisar vessel in Kocaeli as part of Teknofest Blue Homeland.
The ministry also said Israel must end such attacks and comply with international law.
"For the peace and stability of both Syria and the region, it is essential that Israel put an end to such reckless attacks and fulfill the requirements of international law," it said.
Türkiye also said it would continue supporting Syria’s efforts to build its infrastructure and military capacity under the principle of a "single army."
The Defense Ministry said Israel’s attack on Abu al-Duhur airbase was an action aimed at harming Syria’s stability, security, unity and infrastructure.
"Israel’s attack on Abu al-Duhur airbase is an action aimed at harming Syria’s stability, security, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its infrastructure," the ministry said.
"We emphasize on every occasion that attacks violating Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable," it said.
Separately, Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk, the Defense Ministry’s press and public relations adviser and spokesman, said Türkiye would continue its efforts and contributions toward preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and helping the country achieve a stable and secure structure.
"Israel’s military interventions against neighboring countries must absolutely not be allowed to create a perception that they are normal and acceptable," Akturk said.
"The future of the region should be built not on unilateral use of force, but on a security understanding based on international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries," he said.
Akturk also called for the international community to take more concrete and effective measures in response to what he described as actions by Israel that threaten regional peace and stability.
Asked about a series of telephone calls held Tuesday by Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, chief of the Turkish General Staff, the ministry spokesperson said Türkiye had become a "center for regional security diplomacy."
The spokesperson stated that both the minister and the chief of general staff are holding talks with their counterparts to ensure regional security and stability. "Our chief of general staff’s talks yesterday should be evaluated within this framework," he noted.
The ministry added that Türkiye’s main priority is to prevent further conflict and instability while building lasting peace.
"In this framework, our work and contributions aimed at protecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and helping it achieve a stable and secure structure will continue with determination," Akturk said.
Akturk said addressing the difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza and opening the way for reconstruction were important for establishing lasting peace and stability in the region.
He said Israel’s rejection of the Gaza Plan and continuation of attacks were undermining efforts to establish a just and lasting peace.
"Despite the framework agreement that was signed, Israel continues its attacks and military activities in southern Lebanon, while with its latest attacks against Syria it is targeting this country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity," Akturk said.
"Israel’s military interventions against neighboring countries must absolutely not be allowed to create a perception that they are normal and acceptable," he said.
"We once again emphasize that it is essential for the international community to take more concrete and effective measures by standing up for international law and humanitarian values against Israel’s actions that threaten regional peace and stability," Akturk said.
"Our priority is to prevent our region from being dragged into further conflict and instability and to make peace and security permanent," he added.
The Defense Ministry also said it was closely monitoring Greece's Renewable Energy Sources Special Spatial Framework covering the Aegean Sea.
"The said regulation does not produce any legal consequences for our country, including for geographical formations whose sovereignty has not been transferred to Greece by international treaties, and does not affect our position," the ministry said.
"Türkiye continues to be determined to protect its rights, interests and concerns in the Aegean Sea within the framework of international law," it said.
"At the same time, Türkiye is in favor of resolving disputes between the two littoral countries of the Aegean on the basis of international law, equity and good-neighborly relations and developing peace, stability and cooperation in the region," the ministry spokesman said.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
