Important statements from Cihangir Özyer, Chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Blue Vatan Association, to the Milli Gazete…
We had an important interview with Cihangir Özyer, Chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Blue Homeland Association, about the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the danger of Zionist occupation in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Making remarks to the Milli Gazete, Özyer stated that there was a calm before the storm in the Eastern Mediterranean and emphasized that Turkey should always display a flag on the field. Cihangir Özyer stated that Turkey's rapprochement with Syria and Egypt is very important and added, "‘The Joint Use of Maritime Jurisdictions Agreement’ between Turkey and the TRNC should be signed immediately." Özyer, Chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Blue Homeland Association, also made very important words about the danger of Zionist occupation in the TRNC. Özyer said, “They are collecting agricultural lands. They took 1/3 of Karpaz. At the moment, they headed towards Esentepe and Tatlısu. People with the mentality of 'Let's get the money wherever we get it from' don't care about this situation. Then we say 'Cyprus should not be Palestine'. We are entering a dangerous process for the independence of Cyprus."
MAIN CENTER EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
It is seen that the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean has decreased a little more recently. There is a rapprochement between Turkey and Israel and Egypt... At the same time, the USA's support for Greece continues. How do you see the balance of power in the region?
I think it's the calm before the storm. There is a question of arming the Greeks... The slightest accidental bullet can cause confusion. I think Greece is trying to lure us into the Sea of Islands. The main center is the Eastern Mediterranean. We can even swim and get those islands, they are also within our gun range. The main area of conflict is the Eastern Mediterranean.
“GREECE CAN PROVOKE TURKEY BY INCREASING THE MILE AREA TO 12 MILES”
A Turkish operation against Syria is expected in the near future and a significant part of our forces are there. In the same period, we observe that the support of the USA to Greece has increased gradually. Do you think there is a possibility that Greece will do something crazy?
I think they will try to provoke us by increasing the mile area to 12 miles. That would be their first step. Greece fears a military operation. I think by increasing the mile area to 12 miles, they will provoke Turkey and want Turkey to make the first military move. Turkey is trying to carry out a balance policy. While pursuing a peaceful policy, it also considers threats. Consider a map of Turkey. You cannot defeat a country without its capital. We block threats from the west or east. However, we have two weak points; north and south. Our relations with Russia are good in the north, but we must understand the importance of Cyprus in the south. Almighty God forbid, when an invasion plan is made against Turkey, the first place to be targeted is Cyprus. Therefore, TRNC must be alive both militarily, politically and socially. If we cannot do this, any possible enemy attack will start from Cyprus. I should also point out that; Our navy must constantly display the flag in the Eastern Mediterranean. I predict that we will encounter great provocations during the drilling works.
“WE SHOULD MAKE A MEB AGREEMENT WITH EGYPT ASAP”
If I asked you to evaluate the process so far... Do you find Turkey successful in the Eastern Mediterranean?
I find it more successful lately. In this context, I find it meaningful to improve our relations with Russia and Iran. But the most precious for me is Egypt. Because Egypt is in a very valuable position in terms of naval power. We should make an MEB agreement with Egypt as soon as possible. By the way, I should also say this; The 'Common Use of Maritime Jurisdiction Agreement' between Turkey and the TRNC should be signed immediately.
“WE MUST NORMALIZE WITH SYRIA”
If Turkey normalizes with Syria, What will be the contribution of this situation to our struggle in the Mediterranean?
We made a mistake in Syria, we played the game of the USA. In essence, we must somehow normalize with Syria. Iran can mediate between Turkey and Syria. If Turkey and the Syrian government cooperate, there will be no YPG region.
“THEY COLLECT THE AGRICULTURAL LAND”
The danger of Zionist occupation in the TRNC is an issue that we attach great importance to as a newspaper. What would you like to say about this issue?
The issue of the danger of Zionist occupation in the TRNC is something that I am obsessed with. Forbes magazine headlined, ‘One of the best real estate investment centers in the world is Karpaz’. These guys made that headline. They collect agricultural land. They took 1/3 of Karpaz. At the moment, they headed towards Esentepe and Tatlısu. People with the mentality of ‘Let's get the money, no matter where we get it’ don't care about this situation. Then we say 'Cyprus should not be Palestine'. We are entering a dangerous process for the independence of Cyprus. Against the Israeli threat in Cyprus, of course there is something to be done. TRNC should be supported economically. A serious planning should be done at the point of production in the fosterland.
“ANY CASE, THE NAVY SHOULD SHOW THE FLAG”
We are entering a dangerous and tense process in the Eastern Mediterranean. What kind of policy should Turkey follow in this process? What should constitute the basic pillars of our policy? Soft power or more powerful steps should be taken?
In my personal opinion, creating hawkish policies is solution but governing a state cannot be achieved by following hawkish policies. A balance policy should be followed. Strategy is the art of managing terms and conditions. Force, time and space factors are important in military strategy. Let's add perception as the fourth item. Currently, an anti-Turkey perception is being created. Although it is necessary to act according to the terms and conditions, in any case, the navy should show the flag.