Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın reportedly delivered a clear message during his recent visit to Athens that Ankara would not accept actions it believes could alter the existing status quo in the Aegean.
According to Turkey’s pro-government newspaper Yeni Şafak, Kalın stressed that Turkey wants to maintain a positive and constructive climate in its relations with Greece. However, he said Ankara would not compromise on issues it considers central to its rights and interests.
Warning over unilateral action
The newspaper reported that Turkey is seeking to expand areas of cooperation between the two countries while warning that it will not accept unilateral actions that, in its view, create faits accomplis in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
Particular emphasis was placed on the Greek islands, with Yeni Şafak attributing to Kalın the position that Turkey would not accept a change to the Aegean status quo through their military reinforcement and armament.
Communication channels remain open
The newspaper presented Kalın’s visit to Athens as an effort by the Turkish side to keep communication channels with Greece open while reiterating Ankara’s longstanding positions on the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
