Th. Tzakri at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly: Turkey threatens the Greek islands

“The accusations of alleged obligation to demilitarize the Greek islands are unacceptable, especially when they come from a country that actively threatens the Greek islands with violations every day,” said SYRIZA-PS MP Theodora Tzakri, speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary Subcommittee. NATO for the Mediterranean and the Middle East in Istanbul.

Ms. Tzakri intervened during the discussion of the special issue of Turkey’s Energy Policy with the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Dönmez as the keynote speaker, who provoked the Greek delegation, speaking “on the disputed issue between Greece and Turkey.” . It was preceded by a discussion on the specific issue of Turkish foreign policy and security policy priorities, with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar as the keynote speaker, who had directly provoked the Greek side with his statements on the alleged obligation to demilitarize the islands. The discussion ended prematurely as Mr. Akar, citing commitments, left without giving the floor to all members of the Greek delegation who requested him.

In her speech, Ms. Tzakri stated that the previous meeting of the Commission, with the Turkish Minister of Defense as the keynote speaker, ended prematurely and stressed that all MEPs should be given the floor and allowed to speak in particular when referring to threats. sovereignty and sovereign rights of Greece and its islands.

He further added: “The allegations of alleged demilitarization of the Greek islands are unacceptable, especially when they come from a country that actively threatens the Greek islands with violations every day. and land exercises every year on the coast of Turkey (the well-known EFES), we all understand that Greece must be prepared for any possible scenario of legal defense under Article 51 of the UN. “Turkey should threaten Greece that, on this outrageous basis, it will raise the issue of island sovereignty.”

He added: “Unfortunately, Turkey is pursuing a policy of overflights and violations of our national airspace, which constitute a vertical violation of international law, are dangerous for air navigation over the Aegean Sea, while creating tension in relations between the two countries and there is a possibility. There are channels of dialogue such as exploratory talks and the dialogue on military Confidence Building Measures, but these are undermined by these actions and aggressive rhetoric. prospect of appealing to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

But it is unacceptable for the talks to take place under the threat and violations by Turkey of our territorial integrity and our sovereign rights. “Everyone understands that this undermines the debate between the two countries and proves that Turkey does not respect international law.”