Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Thursday on Greece to stop arming the islands that have no military status in the Aegean Sea, and stressed that Turkey will not give up its rights in this sea, and will not hesitate to use the powers recognized in international agreements on arming the islands.
In a speech he delivered in the western state of Izmir on Thursday, Erdogan warned Athens to stay away from what he called "behaviors and dreams that will lead to regret," and called on it to abandon arming the non-military islands in the Aegean and to act in accordance with international agreements.
He stressed that Turkey does not violate the rights and laws of any country, and does not allow anyone to violate its rights and laws, explaining that his country left it to the discretion of the international community to assess its claim to consider the maritime borders of Turkey and Greece around the island of Mays, which is two kilometers from the mainland of Turkey, and more than 600 kilometers from Greece.
The Turkish President (center) signs a plane displayed during the Turkish army exercises Thursday in Izmir (Anatolia)
He added that Greece, despite being a member of the European Union, is still putting pressure on the Turkish minority in western Thrace, Rhodes and Astankoy, ignoring the bloc's values, human rights and international agreements.
He pointed out that allowing Greece to continue its repressive behavior despite its conviction by the European Court of Human Rights in 1999 and 2006 is an example of double standards.
Erdogan stressed that Turkey is watching the European Court of Human Rights' ignoring of Greece's public support for terrorist organizations, and the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers.
Turkey announced last week that it was halting talks with Greece over reasons including a row with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and what Ankara says are airspace violations.
The two countries resumed talks last year after a 5-year hiatus to resolve differences in the Mediterranean region and other bilateral issues. The talks made little progress, and the two sides exchanged accusations of responsibility.