Türkiye 'to protect national interests' against militarization of Aegean islands

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Türkiye will not refrain from utilizing "legitimate methods to protect its national interests in the face of Greece's increasingly provocative actions," the country's National Security Council said yesterday (September 28).

The council urged "all actors encouraging Greece to arm islands that have non-military status...to exercise common sense," according to a statement released after a four-hour meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the capital city of Ankara.

Noting that the recent "increased provocative actions" by Greece were addressed in detail, the council emphasized that Türkiye will not refrain from "using all kinds of legitimate methods and tools with the aim of protecting the rights and interests" of its nation.

The council also criticized the US for its recent move to lift an arms embargo on Southern Cyprus, saying the decision was "contrary to the spirit of alliance" and should be revoked.

Armenia-Azerbaijan tensions

The council also condemned Armenia over recent tensions with Azerbaijan, urging Yerevan to "fulfill its obligations and make efforts for peace."

Türkiye reaffirmed its "strong support" for Azerbaijan, which "strives to achieve permanent peace."

Iraq and PKK

In relation to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) actions in Itaq, the statement underscored the importance of "joint coordination on counter-terrorism efforts."

Without mentioning July's bombardment in the Zakho district in Iraqi Kurdistan, which killed nine civilians, the council said the PKK aimed to exploit these incidents to damage bilateral relations between Ankara and Baghdad. (AEK/VK)