Türkiye’s AK Party lambasts Greece for militarization of Aegean islands

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye's Justice and Development (AK) Party on Tuesday flayed recent attempts by Greece to militarize islands in the Aegean Sea, which have non-military status.

"We always say that Greece is our neighbor. We have the capability and historical experience to solve our own problems at the table with our neighbor as Türkiye is open to dialogue,” Omer Celik, spokesman of the Justice and Development (AK) Party, told reporters as the party’s Central Decision and Executive Board meeting was continuing in the capital Ankara.

He said Greece's constant attempts to involve other countries in the issue prevents the ongoing process from progressing in a positive direction.

Greece is the party that violates international law in the recent crisis, he asserted.

The spokesman also reiterated Ankara's call on Athens to resolve the recent problems between the two countries at the table via diplomatic means.

Celik accused Greece of delaying every solution-oriented proposal by Türkiye and of continuing its unlawful acts.

As long as Greece continues its unlawful activities, Türkiye will clearly exhibit its presence in the field, he said.

Chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the closed-door meeting lasted two hours.