By Janet Extract
ISTANBUL – On Monday, via video conference, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar met with Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) commanders and unit commanders. In a discussion on Greece, Akar accused the Greek government of “unlawful actions” while he said that Greece is constantly “escalating tensions” in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. The defense minister mentioned Greece’s recent military drills and what Akar said is a violation of the demilitarized status of the Aegean Islands. As he commented: “Greece is making every attempt to increase the tension with unreasonable, illogical and unlawful demands and claims along with its ongoing provocative actions and aggressive rhetoric.”
Akar criticized certain Greek politicians and military officials for using what he called ‘saber-rattling’ against Turkiye for their own political purposes. He added that it would be better for Greece to “focus on solving problems through dialogue and learn from history.” Greece and Turkiye have been at loggerheads over the Aegean and Mediterranean for decades that include just who has jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean and mutual claims over their continental shelves. Other issues include maritime boundaries, airspace, energy, Cyprus and the status of islands in the Aegean Sea as well as migrant issues.
Turkiye has repeatedly highlighted what it deems as provocative actions from its closest neighbor, Greece and is upset about Greece’s arming islands near Turkiye that are demilitarized under international treaties. Turkish officials have stated that moves like this by Greece, are hampering any peace efforts Turkiye may want to put forth with Greece. A major dispute hampering relations is over mineral resources in the region with Turkish official accusing the U.S. of not maintaining a balanced policy between the two countries. The Turkish government also criticized the U.S. for increasing tensions on the Cyprus and East Mediterranean issues. Turkish President Erdogan has repeatedly made veiled threats if Greece continues what Turkiye considers ‘provocations’ and has said it will protect its rights and interests in light of actions by Greece.
