Nationalist Party leader criticizes Greece’s Dodecanese Islands claims, urges Athens to ‘watch steps’

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli addressed his party’s parliamentary group, criticizing Greece’s recent actions and reaffirming Türkiye’s stance on its territorial integrity.

He particularly reacted to claims about Greece building a missile defense system and reiterated Türkiye’s position on the Dodecanese Islands, a key territorial dispute in the Aegean.

Why it matters

Bahceli’s comments highlight Türkiye’s growing concerns about Greece’s military actions in the Aegean, particularly the Dodecanese Islands, which are a central point of territorial dispute.

His remarks reflect Türkiye’s determination to protect its sovereignty, asserting that Greece’s actions are not only historically erroneous but also a threat to regional peace and stability.

Details of Bahceli’s remarks

• Dodecanese Islands, Greece’s actions: Bahceli strongly criticized Greece’s territorial claims over the Dodecanese Islands, calling them stolen from Türkiye and stating that “the Dodecanese Islands cannot exist without Türkiye.” He warned Greece to “watch its steps,” emphasizing that these islands are rightfully part of Türkiye and must not be part of any dreams to exclude the country. Bahceli stated, “There is no benefit for any country in following an aggressive policy on the opposite shore of the Aegean,” referring to Greece’s current stance.
• Mavi Vatan (Blue Homeland): Bahceli reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to its “Mavi Vatan” (Blue Homeland) doctrine, stating that Türkiye would never give up on its maritime rights. He expressed readiness to defend the country with the utmost sacrifice, saying, “If we need to fight to win peace, I pray to Allah that we may sacrifice our lives and blood for our homeland.”
• Terror-free Türkiye: Bahceli reiterated the goal of creating a “terror-free Türkiye,” stressing the need to eliminate PKK/YPG forces from the region. He called for the continued defense of Türkiye’s territorial integrity, particularly in Syria and along the Euphrates, ensuring that terrorist organizations are eliminated without negotiations.

• Kurdish relations: Bahceli addressed efforts to distance the MHP from the Kurdish community, defending the party’s position that Kurds are equal members of the Turkish nation. He condemned attempts to undermine the relationship between MHP and the Kurdish people and emphasized the importance of national unity.
• Opposition and early elections: Bahceli criticized opposition figures, especially CHP’s Ozgur Ozel, for calling for early elections, asserting that Türkiye’s political system should maintain stability and that elections should take place as scheduled.

Bahceli’s comments on Greece and the Dodecanese Islands reflect Türkiye’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial rights and its strategic interests in the Aegean.

His mention of the “Mavi Vatan” doctrine and readiness for conflict underscores the seriousness with which Türkiye views these territorial disputes.