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[INTERNATIONAL] · Greece, Türkiye · 22 sources

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Greece and Turkey clash over Aegean island militarization claims

Tensions between Greece and Turkey have escalated following renewed Turkish demands for the demilitarization of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan characterized the military presence on these islands as a direct threat to national security, warning that Greece could be used as a tool to destabilize the region.

In response, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected these claims, stating they lack a legal basis under international law and that the status of the islands is firmly established by international treaties. Greek officials described Turkey's rhetoric as an oxymoron, noting that while Ankara labels Greek defense measures as a threat, Turkey maintains a casus belli against Greece regarding the exercise of sovereign rights.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece's recent military strengthening is purely defensive and intended to protect its territory rather than threaten neighbors. He reiterated that while Athens seeks to maintain open communication channels with Ankara, it will not accept threats to its sovereignty. The dispute also encompasses broader issues, including maritime boundaries and regional cooperation with countries like Israel.

Entities

Aegean Sea · Greece · Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Hakan Fidan · Kyriakos Mitsotakis · NATO · Panagiotis Giannakoulias · Recep Tayyip Erdoğan · Turkey · United Nations

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