Turkey’s Defence Minister issues direct threat to Greece

·

Turkish Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar, has warned that the Greek people will “suffer the most damage” as a result of tensions that, he said, are being fueled by Athens and by recent moves from Greece to strengthen its armed forces. 

He also reiterated Ankara’s allegations that Greek fighter jets harassed the Cesme hydrographic vessel last week. 

“As you know, Greek fighter jets disturbed the Cesme, which is conducting scientific research. Of course, the appropriate response was given by our officials,” Akar said.

“I emphasise once more that this attitude has nothing to do with good neighborly relations.”

Akar also accused Athens of trying to turn Greek-Turkish disputes into a broader issue affecting Turkey’s relations with the European Union and the United States.

Referring to Ankara’s “Blue Homeland ” doctrine, which envisages Turkish influence over large swathes of the Mediterranean, he said “we have no aspirations for anyone’s rights, lands and waters.”

“But will not give up our rights. We are determined and able to defend our rights in the Blue Homeland, as well as in Cyprus,” he added. 

In response, Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, told Parliament that Greece is not going to enter the process of responding to Turkey on every occasion. “Greece is confident,” he stressed. 

At the same time, Turkish fighter jets conducted unauthorised overflights on Friday above the islets of Agathonissi, Panagia and Oinousses.

In general, Athens sees a pattern of behavior in the recent inflammatory rhetoric, the dispatch of the Cesme in the Aegean and Friday’s overflights. This is mainly due to Ankara’s insistence on expanding the agenda of exploratory contacts, which recently resumed between the two countries, to include a wide range of issues.

The next round of exploratory contacts is not expected before the completion of the naval exercises announced by Ankara until March 5.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

Federal politics chaos: Greg Hunt retires, Christian Porter resigns, Alan Tudge stands aside

It's been a busy few days in Federal politics with one resignation, one retirement and one minister stepping aside amid abuse allegations.

Meet Amanda: The little sister behind Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari

Amanda Sakkari opens up on what it's like sitting in the front row of her sister's matches, throughout her tennis career.

Opinion: This is why I loved going to a Greek public co-ed school

Co-ed versus single-sex schools: Do we really need this conversation in the otherwise developed Australia?