EU concerned over Turkey’s escalating ‘hostile remarks’ against Greece

The European Union has voiced concern over Turkey’s escalating ‘hostile remarks’ against Greece, Ekathimerini has reported.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently warned Greece it would pay a “heavy price” if it continues to harass Turkish fighter jets over the Aegean and hinted at military action.

Erdogan also accused Greece of “occupying” islands in the Aegean Sea that have a demilitarised status.

“When the time comes, we’ll do what’s necessary. As we say, we may come down suddenly one night,” the Turkish President said.

In response, Peter Stano, the spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, condemned the ‘hostile remarks’ in a statement.

“The continuous hostile remarks by the political leadership of Turkey against Greece… raise serious concerns and fully contradict much needed de-escalation efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Mr Stano said.

“Threats and aggressive rhetoric are unacceptable and need to stop.”

Mr Stano also reiterated the EU’s expectation that Turkey will “seriously work on de-escalating tensions… in the interest of regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU member states.”

For its part, Greece’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed it will send letters to all members of the United Nations Security Council and to the UN Secretary General, as well as the Secretary General of NATO, about Turkey’s recent provocative statements.

READ MORE: Athens dismisses Erdogan’s 1922 Greek-Turkish war comments.

Source: Ekathimerini.