President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made important statements at the Ephesus-2022 Exercise held in Izmir. Reacting to Greece in his speech, Erdoğan said, “We once again call on Greece to stop arming islands with non-military status and to act in accordance with international treaties. I’m not kidding, I’m talking seriously. This nation is determined, and if it says something, it will follow suit.”
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the exercise, which has been held since May 20 with the participation of 10,000 military personnel from 37 countries hosted by our country. Turkey is successfully carrying out the world’s most critical challenges such as the fight against terrorist organizations and irregular migration. When we are proportional to our national income in terms of humanitarian aid, we rank first in the world. Within this table, the TSK has a special place.
The results we have achieved in our fight against the world’s most dangerous terrorist organizations, from the PKK, YPG to Daesh, are unparalleled. We carried out the first and only operation against Daesh in Syria. We were the only ones who fought the PKK.
With the Euphrates Shield in 2016, the Olive Branch in 2018, the Spring Shield in 2020 and the ongoing Claw operations, we are gradually implementing our determination to protect our borders with a 30 km deep security line. It also contributes to the peace of our neighbors
We hope that none of our true allies will challenge our country’s legitimate security concerns. It is our most natural right to expect our allies and friends to understand and respect our legitimate concerns on this issue.
REACTION TO GREECE: I AM NOT JOKING, I AM TALKING SERIOUSLY
Some Greek politicians are trying to be on the agenda with discourses that are far from reality. There are countless examples of how such issues are sensitive and can have severe consequences. Once again, we call on Greece to stop arming islands with non-military status and to act in accordance with international treaties. I’m not kidding, I’m talking seriously. This nation is determined, and if it says something, it will follow suit. Mr. Mitsotakis is probably making touristic landings on the islands. It’s not possible to get anywhere with this.
WE AGAIN WARN GREECE TO STAY AWAY FROM DREAMS THAT WILL RESULT IN REGRETS
As the ally that pays the highest price in all respects within NATO, we have coolly welcomed the provocations of Greece, which has not even responded to our invitations to military delegation meetings for the last 2 years. But we see that our patience is misunderstood by our interlocutor. Turkey does not violate its own rights and laws to anyone. In fact, since the date of its establishment, this country has always made similar moves by relying on someone. We again warn Greece to stay away from dreams that will result in regrets. Come to yourself. Turkey will not refrain from using the powers granted to it by international rights regarding the arming of the islands when necessary. We will continue our drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean in accordance with UN practices.
