Without mentioning Israel, Erdogan reacts to the deal with Greece: "It is a mistake to think we are weak"
The President of Turkey sent a threatening message following the agreement to purchase an Israeli air defense system for Greece: "What is required of us? To do what is necessary."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacted for the first time today to the air defense system deal signed with Greece earlier this week, without explicitly mentioning Israel.
"What will we do? What is required of us? To do what is necessary," Erdogan said in response to a journalist's question. "Those who interpret Turkey's measured and sober approach as weakness, and I say this openly, are making a grave mistake. Greece must retract its erroneous approach."
The remarks were made on the flight back from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek. When asked how Turkey would act if Greece continues to "arm the islands in the Aegean Sea," Erdogan replied that Turkey has been sincere and constructive, but has not received a return for its goodwill. He emphasized that while Turkey does not covet anyone's land, it will not allow its rights to be trampled.
On Monday, Athens signed a deal worth approximately 3 billion euros (about 12 billion shekels) to purchase a multi-layered air defense system from Israel, part of a doctrine Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias dubbed "Achilles Shield." Greece intends to deploy the system in the northeast of the country and on islands in the eastern Aegean Sea, adjacent to the Turkish coast.
Erdogan warned that disregarding international agreements would benefit no one and called on Greece to "cease the militarization of the islands whose status is demilitarized." He concluded on a stern note: "History teaches well those who are willing to learn from it. We will continue to act for the sake of peace, security, and stability in our region."
Earlier today, the Turkish newspaper "Milliyet" reported that Ankara had delivered an official note to Athens, stating it would not allow any action that changes the status quo in the Aegean Sea. The note was reportedly sent following Greek spatial planning programs announced in August, which Turkey labeled as "maximalist demands under the guise of environmental planning."
Turkey has long claimed that arming the eastern Aegean islands violates the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Treaty of Paris. Athens rejects these claims, citing the right to self-defense against Turkish forces deployed opposite the islands.
