Tensions between Greece and Turkey are escalating to a new level. In a speech, Turkish President Erdogan fired sharp shots at his NATO partner - and openly threatened him.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Greece of "provocations" and "dangerous games" after the alleged militarization of two Aegean islands off the Turkish coast. His government will "defend the rights and interests of our country against Greece by any means necessary," Erdogan said, according to the presidential office.
"Greece cannot be our interlocutor, neither politically nor militarily or economically," said Erdogan. Ankara urged Athens to "cease the violations" and respect the islands' non-military status, state-run Anadolu News Agency reported. Athens dismissed the allegations as "completely unfounded," according to diplomatic sources.
Relations between the two neighboring countries and NATO members are currently at a low point. Both countries have been at odds for years over competing territorial claims and energy development rights in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean.
The latest escalation began over the weekend after Turkish security sources circulated aerial footage. Ships with armored US vehicles are said to be seen docking at the two Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos. Turkey then summoned the Greek ambassador. According to Anadolu, Turkey also told the US that its "weapons should not be used in violation" of the islands' agreed status.
Ankara argues that Greece is violating the Treaties of Lausanne (1923) and Paris (1947) by militarizing islands in the East Aegean. Erdogan had recently threatened the neighbor in this connection with the sentence: "We can suddenly come one night." Athens justifies the militarization with a threat from Ankara and the right of every state to self-defense. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis offered Erdogan renewed talks last week. Erdogan has so far refused direct talks with representatives of Greece.
