Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, launched a fierce attack against Greece and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday.
Speaking in Parliament, Erdogan told lawmakers from his AK Party that he could not meet with Mitsotakis, despite a resumption of talks between the two NATO members over their maritime disputes.
READ MORE: Greece and Turkey launch Mediterranean crisis talks after 5 years.
Erdogan said Mitsotakis had “challenged” him and called on the Greek PM to “know his limits.”
“Even though we agreed to continue explanatory talks with Greece in March, Mitsotakis targeted us once again. Now, how can we continue our talks?” Erdogan said.
The remarks came in response to Mitsotakis saying on Monday that the only viable solution to the Cyprus issue is the creation of a unified state on the island.
READ MORE: Greek PM rejects two-state deal for Cyprus, says ending ‘Turkish occupation a priority.’
“Ending Turkish occupation and finding a viable solution are a fundamental Greek foreign policy priority,” Mitsotakis said after a meeting with Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, in Nicosia.
“The only viable solution is a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.”
The Turkish president dismissed Mitsotakis’ proposal on the issue and further stated that: “The Greek side has not made the slightest change in its stance disregarding the existence of Turkish Cypriots on the island.”
“Two-state solution is the sole option for Cyprus, a federal system is no longer an option on the agenda,” Erdogan added.
