Turkey favors 'peaceful solutions' in E. Mediterranean

Turkey sides with peaceful solutions for the problems in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus, Turkish defense minister said on Tuesday.

"Our aim, efforts and basic approach are the same in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus. We are in favor of solving the existing problems through peaceful means," Hulusi Akar said during inspections at the Blue Homeland military drill that is conducted in the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean at the same time.

"In this context, we are in favor of applying basic principles of good neighboring relations," Akar said.

Stating that the Eastern Mediterranean had an increased value thanks to new energy resources found in the sea, he said: "We always stress that everyone needs to be aware of provocative activities in order to prevent tensions and conflicts."

"Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC] has rights to natural richness around the island," Akar said, adding that no decision or deal in the region excluding Turkey would be valid or lasting.

He reiterated that Turkey would not allow fait accompli in the region.

"Everyone needs to understand well and act accordingly that people living in the TRNC need to take share from these richness, and they have right over them."

The natural resources in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean Seas, as well as Cyprus, are "strategic goals and national issues" for Turkey.

Turkey has consistently contested the Greek Cypriot administration's unilateral drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, saying Turkish Cypriots also have rights to the resources in the area.