Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stepped up his criticism of Greece’s defence policy, one day after Athens signed an agreement with Israel for the “Achilles Shield”.
Speaking to Turkish journalists aboard his return flight from Kyrgyzstan, Erdoğan called for relations to proceed on the basis of good-neighbourly principles while warning against what he described as violations of international agreements.
“What should we do? What is our responsibility? To do whatever is necessary. We say that we should move forward with Greece on the basis of good-neighbourly relations. If we call out from our mainland, say from Kaş, opposite Kastellorizo, towards Greece, they will hear us, won’t they?” Erdoğan said.
“We have been sincere on every issue. We have been the side acting constructively. However, in most cases, we have seen no response to our goodwill. First, Greece must now understand that Turkey has its eyes on no one’s territory, but it will not allow anyone to infringe upon its rights either.
“Violating and disregarding international agreements will benefit no one. Anyone who interprets Turkey’s calm and prudent approach as weakness is, I say this clearly, making a serious mistake.”
Erdoğan raises Greek island armament
Erdoğan also criticised the military presence on Greek islands which Turkey says have demilitarised status.
“Greece must turn back from this wrong path and stop arming islands with demilitarised status,” he said.
“History is an excellent guide for those who draw lessons from it. We will continue to work for peace, security and stability in our region.”
Turkey’s return to the F-35 programme
Erdoğan also addressed Turkey’s possible return to the F-35 fighter jet programme, arguing that the issue would soon become a thing of the past.
“We discussed all the issues on our bilateral agenda with Mr Putin. As you know, Turkey was one of the partners in the F-35 programme and made significant contributions within that framework,” he said.
“Our talks concerning Turkey’s re-entry into the programme are continuing. We believe that, once the procedures in the United States are completed as quickly as possible, this issue will become a thing of the past.”
Erdoğan said Turkey would also continue developing its domestically produced KAAN fighter jet and its own air defence systems.
“While pursuing all these diplomatic efforts, we are not abandoning the KAAN project. We are not abandoning the development of our own air defence systems. On the contrary, we are expanding Turkey’s options. This is a strong Turkey. This is the roadmap for a strong Turkey,” he said.
Gerapetritis rules out compromise on sovereignty
“There is no possibility that we will accept any compromise concerning our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said following the informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Ireland.
Speaking to ERT, Gerapetritis said he had briefed his European counterparts on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean.
“I referred in particular to issues involving violations of international law,” he said.
“Greece always stands on the side of international law. It always supports the peaceful resolution of disputes. On the other hand, there is no possibility that we will accept any compromise concerning our sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
Gerapetritis said Greece expected the immediate solidarity of the EU and its member states in the event of aggression.
“Aggression, wherever it comes from, has no colour. It must be addressed in a unified and consistent manner,” he concluded.
Source: AMNA
