Tensions in the Aegean Sea: Turkey calls on Greece to comply with the demilitarized status of the islands
The Turkish Ministry of Defense called on Greece to adhere to its obligations under international treaties and refrain from activities inconsistent with the demilitarized status of the islands.
This was stated in a statement released on Thursday in response to journalists' questions following the weekly media briefing at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in the capital, Ankara.
In response to questions regarding Washington’s decision to extend the lifting of the arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot administration in the south, the ministry stated in its statement: “The United States’ one-year extension of the decision to lift the arms embargo imposed on the Greek Cypriot administration in the south, until September 30, 2027, represents a step that could negatively affect the delicate balances and the climate of trust on the island of Cyprus.”
It added that third parties are expected to refrain from activities that would undermine the delicate balances on the island and to abandon practices that disregard the Turkish Cypriots.
The ministry affirmed that Turkey, as a guarantor state, will always continue, in cooperation with the authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, to take the necessary measures to ensure the security, peace of mind, and well-being of the Turkish Cypriots.
Mitsotakis’s visit to the island of Meis
In response to questions regarding Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s visit to the island of Meis, the ministry stated: “We closely followed the visit by the Greek Prime Minister, accompanied by a delegation, to the island of Meis, and his interactions with the military personnel stationed there.”
It added: “The presence of military personnel and a warship on the island of Meis, which was handed over to Greece under the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty on the condition that it remain demilitarized, and the public display of these elements before public opinion during high-level visits, is inconsistent with the island’s status and does not contribute to peace and stability.”
The ministry emphasized that attempts to create a fait accompli that contradicts the demilitarized status of “Meis,” located very close to the Turkish coast, are inconsistent with international obligations and will not be accepted by Ankara.
It continued: “Our country calls for the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean to be zones of peace and stability, and for the development of relations between Turkey and Greece based on good neighborliness and dialogue. However, this approach does not mean turning a blind eye to the disregard of rights and obligations arising from international treaties, nor does it allow for the creation of de facto situations on the ground.”
The ministry further stated in its statement: “We call on Greece to comply with its obligations under international treaties and to refrain from activities inconsistent with the demilitarized status of the islands.”
It stressed that while Turkey continues its constructive approach supporting good neighborliness and dialogue in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, it will firmly continue to protect its rights and interests arising from international law.
Regarding the “Makkah Pact,” the statement affirmed that it is an agreement based on collective defense and deterrence, formed on the basis of the established relations and defense cooperation between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.
It added: “The agreement is not directed against any state, nor does it constitute a substitute for the existing relations between the parties and third countries. In this context, activities aimed at developing military cooperation, increasing interoperability, and enhancing defensive capabilities are being implemented in coordination among the three countries, and efforts to institutionalize the alliance are ongoing.”
On August 7, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the “Joint Defense Agreement” in Makkah.
