Greece Rejects Turkish Claims Island Defence Is A Threat to Turkey

Greece has rejected new Turkish claims over the defence of Greek islands, with the Foreign Ministry accusing Ankara of making allegations that have no basis in international law and pointing to Turkey’s continued casus belli against Greece.

Responding to questions about recent comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Yannakoulias said Greece conducts its foreign policy “sovereignly and independently” and does not allow other states to determine its policies.

Yannakoulias also rejected claims that Greece is being used to destabilise the region, saying such allegations “have no relation to reality”. He stressed that Greece demonstrates its commitment to regional and international peace and stability and poses no threat to anyone.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman specifically addressed the defence of Greece’s islands, saying that Greece, like every state, has the responsibility to protect the defence and security of its entire territory.

He again rejected Turkey’s demands for the demilitarisation of Greek islands, describing Ankara’s “repeated unilateral claims” as lacking a legal basis under international law. Greece has repeatedly rejected Turkey’s position in its entirety.

Yannakoulias said the status of the Greek islands in the Eastern Aegean is clearly defined by the international treaties in force. He added that Greece, as a sovereign state, has the right to take all necessary measures to defend its territory.

Athens points to Turkey’s casus belli

Athens also turned Turkey’s argument about a perceived “threat” back on Ankara, pointing to the casus belli that Turkey continues to maintain against Greece.

“The characterisation of the defensive fortification of Greek territory as a ‘threat’ is not only unfounded, but also an oxymoron when, in violation of international law, Turkey continues to maintain a threat of war (casus belli) against Greece in the event of the exercise of a lawful sovereign right,” Yannakoulias said.

Turkey’s parliament declared the possibility of military action against Greece in 1995 if Athens extended its territorial waters in the Aegean from six to 12 nautical miles. Greece regards the declaration as a threat to its sovereign rights.

The Foreign Ministry nevertheless stressed that Athens remains committed to dialogue and good-neighbourly relations with Turkey, while making respect for international law a necessary condition.

“Greece remains committed to good-neighbourly relations and dialogue, which, however, require full respect for international law and abstention from threats and unfounded claims,” Yannakoulias said.

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