Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis made statements on Monday that overshadowed efforts to improve relations between Greece and Turkey.
In an interview with a Greek broadcaster, Georgiadis highlighted Greece’s growing military strength with the acquisition of F-35 and F-16 fighter jets and frigates, and its alliances with the US and France.
Referring to a common phrase used by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Georgiadis remarked, “Whenever I hear ‘all of a sudden, one night,’ I laugh.”
This phrase has been used by Erdogan in response to Greece’s previous alleged violations of Turkish territorial waters and military posturing. While Erdogan has moderated his rhetoric amid recent talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he often emphasises that any provocation by Greece would be met with a response.
“With F-35s, we can go to Turkey one night. One night, you will suddenly find them in Ankara. I am not saying we will actually do it, but Turkey should know that they have nothing when it comes to aviation (capabilities of Greece),” he said. Greek media also quoted him saying that Turkey and Greece would either have a dialogue or “war.”
Turkey has yet to respond to Georgiadis’ remarks.
Source: Daily Sabah.
