Türkiye’s Erdogan blasts Greek FM, censures for undermining bilateral relations

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Sunday criticized Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias’ statements on Türkiye, stating that populists like Dendias are trying to undermine relations between the two countries.

The Turkish president made these statements during his visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation.

Erdogan, who attended the ceremony, answered questions from journalists on the plane on his return from the TRNC visit and made important statements.

He stated that just like 50 years ago, Türkiye stands by the Turkish Cypriots as the motherland and guarantor.

Unyielding support for Turkish Cypriots

Stating that efforts are continuing to lift the unjust isolation of Northern Cyprus in the international arena, President Erdogan said: “We are doing what is necessary for Northern Cyprus to take its rightful place within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Organization of Turkic States. (Mr.) Tatar’s participation in the Summit of Turkic States in Shusha was very meaningful in this respect. Hopefully, new steps will follow this in the coming period.”

“We will crown the gains we established with the 1974 Peace Operation and consolidated with the declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983 with the Turkish Cypriot State recognized all over the world,” he added.

Erdogan blasts Greek minister

Referring to the striking statements of Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias against Türkiye, President Erdogan said, “Mr. Mitsotakis should put this minister in his place. There is no need for us to say much more.”

“From time to time, we witness the efforts of populist figures in Greece to dynamite the relations between the two countries with such statements. We want to develop our relations with Greece as good neighbors. “

“Of course, this does not require us to remain silent on such delusions. As everyone knows very well, Türkiye carried out the Cyprus Peace Operation for peace, as the name suggests, and peace was established because of this intervention,” he added.

Game-changer amid rising tensions

President Erdogan responded to TRNC Minister of Transportation Erhan Arikli’s statements on Southern Cyprus’ attempts to establish a naval base with Greece and the possibility of Türkiye establishing a similar base in Turkish Cyprus.

Erdogan emphasized the ongoing construction of the Northern Cyprus Presidency and Parliament buildings on the island and stated that these projects are more important than military bases.

Stating that the constructions are expected to be completed in November, Erdogan said that Türkiye will act under international law and will avoid steps that will increase tensions.

“Türkiye takes the necessary steps when necessary and does what needs to be done. It is necessary to carefully avoid steps that will never contribute to the peace of the island, increase tensions and lead to violations of international law,” he added.

He stated that the new natural gas ship to be purchased will contribute to the production in the Sakarya Gas Field and that this ship will serve as a base in the region for 15-20 years added: “It will be in Türkiye in about two months. It is 300 meters long and 58 meters wide. This platform, which will produce enough natural gas for 5 million households, will stay there for 15-20 years. It is almost like a base. It is on its way next week and will arrive in Türkiye. It will be enough for them when they see that base.”

Türkiye’s defense leap astounds world

President Erdogan also made evaluations of Türkiye’s progress in the defense industry. Reminding that in the past, Türkiye could not even buy tires for its aircraft, he emphasized that it is a great success that Petlas is now able to produce these tires. Erdogan stated that the point Türkiye has reached in the defense industry, from unmanned aerial vehicles to UCAVs, is at a level that competes with the world.

“Aselsan, Havelsan, Roketsan, all these are now competing with the world in the defense industry. We are very, very happy about this. In particular, Western countries are currently placing order after order for our unmanned aerial vehicles. I won’t say which countries, but the fact that EU countries are now making such demands from us shows how the times have changed,” he added.

Pressing for action against Israel’s occupation

President Erdogan made evaluations of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s decision to declare Israel an occupier and demand that it leave the occupied territories and pay compensation.

Erdogan stated that Israel has not implemented the decisions of the Court of Justice in the past and that Western countries, especially the U.S., have supported Israel.

He stated that Türkiye will continue to pressure the implementation of this decision in cooperation with countries such as Spain, Finland and Norway, adding: “The stances of Finland, Norway, all these were important. We will follow this, pursue it and I think that we will finally, hopefully, get a result.”

Emphasizing that Israel’s systematic persecution of the Palestinian people must be stopped, Erdogan said: “Israel must be stopped. It is the duty of all of us to ensure this. It is not possible to get anywhere by supporting Israel and ignoring the systematic persecution of the oppressed Palestinian people for years.”

“Israel must be punished for what it has done, and this punishment must be exemplary enough to ensure that no one can ever think of such an atrocity again. I hope that this resolution and the previous resolutions that have not been implemented by Israel will bring about an awakening in the international community.”

Cutting ties with ‘murderer’ Netanyahu

Noting that Israel’s attacks and genocide in Gaza continue, President Erdogan when asked whether the U.S. presidential elections would affect Israel’s Gaza policies, said: “To end this atrocity, the U.S. administration must put pressure on Israel and withdraw its support for the murderer Netanyahu and his entourage. Israel’s desire to drag our geography into its darkness and turn the region into a fire is obvious.”