The Minister of Defense of Turkey, Hulushi Akar, said that Turkey would take “proactive actions” if Athens do not fulfill the requirements for the demilitarization of the islands in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. This was reported by Turkish media.
“Does the installation of weapons in front of our nose do not pose a threat to our country? Does this not give the right to self -defense?”, The minister said.
Akar accused Greece of “aggressive rhetoric” against Ankara, saying that the increase in its defense budget is five times indicated that the country “is plotting” something against Turkey.
In addition, according to the Turkish Minister of Defense, Greece does everything possible to prevent the sale of weapons and military equipment, including American F-16 fighters and German submarines.
He also accused the Prime Minister of Kiriakos Mitsikitisis and Foreign Minister Nicos Dandias of “using aggressive rhetoric and aggressive actions” aimed at ruining the “potential positive climate that can be created between two countries.”