The long-awaited meeting of Turkey’s Security Council, under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, lasted four hours, with Greece at the top of the agenda amid escalating tensions over the militarization of Greek islands.
According to the first information that has come to light from Turkish media, the communiqué issued refers to “increased provocative actions by Greece”, for which Ankara declares that it will protect its rights by any legal means.
Erdogan also admonishes those who encourage Greece to equip the islands under a demilitarized regime to “come to their senses”.
It is worth noting that present at the meeting were the Commander of the Air Force General Atilla Gülan, and the Commander of the Navy Admiral, Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, at the time Ankara decided to take the research vessel Yunus west of Lesvos.
“Athens should abandon illegal practices”
More specifically, the announcement from the Security Council meeting states:
“Despite our calls to implement its obligations arising from international law and treaties, Greece continues its illegal actions and all provocative actions have been considered.
Greece is moving away from the logic that reached the point of sabotaging NATO actions and attacking ships sailing in international waters.
Let the circles that encourage Greece to equip the islands with a civilian regime come to their senses. We will use all kinds of legal methods and means for the rights and interests of our nation.”
In addition, Ankara targets Cyprus as well, calling on “the US to revoke the decision to lift the arms embargo on Cyprus, as it is a decision against the spirit of the NATO Alliance”.
The Security Council, on the other hand, underlines that “actions to defend the rights of the Turkish Cypriots will continue with determination so that all countries recognize the independence of the TRNC”.
Greek For. Min.: Greece will defend its interests
The response of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs was immediate, and in a statement it made it clear that Greece will defend its legitimate interests and rights if the need arises.
“Turkey has every right to defend its interests by any legal means, under the basic condition that it accepts the rules of International Law. However, it has no right to flagrantly violate International Law and threaten Greece with war (casus belli)”, the announcement emphasizes and underlines that “Greece does not present any claim against Turkey. It is in favor of dialogue on the basis of International Law. It will, however, defend its legitimate interests and rights if the need arises.”
State Department: Greece’s sovereignty over the Aegean islands is not disputed
But the reaction of the American State Department was also immediate.
Greece’s sovereignty over the Aegean islands is not in question, State Department spokesman Ned Price reiterated during the routine press briefing.
As he characteristically added, “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected and protected.”
Latest News
Mini Holiday Season in Greece for Upcoming Orthodox Easter
Occupancy rates reach up to 90% domestically for accommodations open ahead of peak summer season
Greek PM Mitsotakis Says Fight Against Inflation Ongoing
The Premier made statement during a visit an an open vegetable market
Unpaid Taxes in Greece Reach 1.539bln Euros
As the figures revealed the number of debtors totaled 3,878,712 individuals and legal entities.
ELSTAT: Greek Primary Surplus Reaches 1.9% of GDP in 2023
Greek debt saw a slight dip to 356.7 billion euros by the end of 2023, down from 356.8 billion euros a year prior
Study: Greece in Top 5 Hotel Investments in Europe
As previously reported by OT, more than 60 hotel projects are set to be developed in Greece over the next four years
GEOAXIS Report: Office Rents Surge by 40% in Ten-Year Span
Geoaxis estimates that the different dynamics in the office market will continue into 2024/2025, predicting stability for older offices, increased demand for renovated spaces, and a slowdown in the rise of rents for modern, green offices
Greece: ‘Godparents’ Basket’ Debuts Today
As part of the program, Greek retailers are obliged to identify the lowest prices of certain categories of products traditionally purchased as Easter gifts by godparents for their godchildren between April 22 until May 4
Brain Waste in Greece: 22.74% of Migrants Overqualified for Jobs
Almost half of all college-educated migrants in Europe are overqualified for their jobs and twice as likely as natives to be unemployed, according to Lighthouse Reports
AB Vassilopoulos Supermarket Vies for 2nd Place in Greek Market
AB Vassilopoulos hopes its focus on its private label, addition of 2-3 company supermarkets and another 50 franchises will help it surpass LIDL
Greek Youth Struggle Amidst Low Wages and Soaring Expenses
Furthermore, 52.7% of respondents attribute Greece's current significant issues to governmental failure, while another 49.1% anticipate continued economic hardship in the nation's future