Ankara (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Greece’s political legitimacy is insufficient to solve its issues with Türkiye. He also condemned Greece’s attempt to exclude Türkiye from the SAFE (Security Action Framework for Europe) mechanism.
How did Fidan describe Greece’s anti-Türkiye rhetoric?What did Fidan say about Greece’s alleged effort to exclude Türkiye from the European Security Mechanism?
As reported by Turkish media, Fidan called for dialogue and restraint in relations, while criticising Athens’ repeated use of anti-Türkiye rhetoric for domestic political purposes. Fidan stated that Greek politics have historically depended on depicting Türkiye as an enemy to handle internal crises.
How did Fidan describe Greece’s anti-Türkiye rhetoric?
Speaking during a television program in Istanbul, he said,
“Greek politics feed on anti-Türkiye narratives. Whenever there is a corruption scandal or domestic unrest, they bring up Türkiye. This has to stop.”
“I want to remind our Greek neighbours: Turks and Greeks are ancient peoples of this region. We must find a way out of this deadlock together. The future is waiting for us,”
Fidan further said.
“If you continue producing a language of threats, Türkiye can respond tenfold. There is no need for this. Let’s not base politics on hostility.”
Fidan stated that the Turkish government does not base its domestic policy on “anti-Greek positions” and called on Athens to demonstrate similar maturity.
“When you come with the language of peace, Türkiye responds with peace. But if another tone is used, we have the capacity to answer accordingly. Still, we never start such rhetoric. Our first language is peace,”
he said.
What did Fidan say about Greece’s alleged effort to exclude Türkiye from the European Security Mechanism?
Turkish foreign minister criticised Greece’s effort to exclude Türkiye from the SAFE (Security Action Framework for Europe) mechanism, calling it an example of how
“certain EU members seize Europe’s security system.”
“These countries are not acting for Europe’s security,”
he said, noting that Greece had left NATO’s military structure in 1974 and rejoined in 1980, with Türkiye’s consent.
“Ankara could have objected, but chose not to. We expect the same level of maturity from Greece today,”
he said.
Fidan confirmed his attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, where he has scheduled a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis
“Our Greek counterparts are not fully comfortable with this situation, but dialogue is the only way forward,”
he said.
The foreign minister cautioned about the increasing defence partnership between the Greek Cypriot Administration and Israel, stating it poses “the risk of provoking instability” in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“We have seen Cyprus serve as a logistical base during the Gaza war. Now, they are trying to repair their image by organising humanitarian aid flights. We hope this effort serves as atonement,”
he said.
Fidan emphasised that Türkiye’s top priority is resolving the issue peacefully.
“Let’s not waste more time. An enduring peace between Türkiye and Greece in the Aegean is possible; let’s make it possible. In the Mediterranean, it is possible; let’s make it possible. And on Cyprus, peaceful coexistence between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots as equal partners is possible; let’s make it possible,”
he said.
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