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They must accept Turkish existence in Cyprus, Turkish Defence Minister Houloussi Akar said when asked by reporters in Brussels to comment on developments in Cyprus, He said his meeting with his Greek counterpart Nikos Panagiotopoulos was very positive and constructive, while accusing Greece of provoking and escalating tensions.
In his statements to Turkish journalists in Brussels, Houloussi Akar, asked to comment on the developments in Cyprus, said that "they must understand that Tskhinvali has equal rights and they must accept the Turkish existence. They have to digest the Turkish presence. We were there when no one else was. Therefore, it is necessary to see them with this historical background, social structure and values. People there should also respect the rights of our Cypriot brothers and sisters."
Positive meeting with Panagiotopoulos
Asked by a reporter about his meeting with his Greek counterpart at a time when relations between the two countries are tense, Houlousi Akar said "we had a very positive and constructive meeting with Greek Defence Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, spontaneous." He said they reiterated their invitation to hold the fourth meeting on confidence-building measures between the two countries in Ankara.
"Turkey can solve its problems through peaceful means and methods, through dialogue, within the framework of international law, bilateral agreements and good neighbourly relations. We have our differences, it is true, but we say let's sit down and discuss them."
He went on to say that their goal is for the parties to benefit from the wealth of the region in peace and stability within the framework of international law. How many times have we said that? We say let's share the riches in the Aegean and the Mediterranean equitably. We expect them to respond. Despite all this well-intentioned approach, unfortunately they continue to engage in provocative and escalating actions and rhetoric contrary to the spirit of the alliance. There is international law and bilateral agreements that settle all this. You cannot ignore the Treaty of Lausanne, the Treaty of Paris. You have to implement the articles of these agreements which have your signature, you are not implementing something you don't want," the Turkish minister argued.
According to Houloussi Akar, "there is an expansionist perception on the basis of the statements and actions of certain Greek politicians."
According to Houloussi Akar, "there is an expansionist perception on the basis of the statements and actions of certain Greek politicians. An attempt is being made to create an artificial threat perception by Turkey. Greece, which demonstrates a special love for armaments, is trying to seek some alliances. We say, these are futile attempts. Wise, sensible Greeks also express this. While there are so many economic problems, the waste of opportunities and economic resources of the Greek people, because of the love for armaments, primarily and especially annoys the Greek people and increases their burden," he said.
Turkey, he added, respects the borders and territorial integrity of all its neighbors, especially Greece.
Turkey respects the borders and territorial integrity of all its neighbors, especially Greece. "Turkey is a strong state in terms of geography, population, army, economy, history and values. Turkey is not a threat to anyone," was his statement.
According to the Turkish minister, "it is a big mistake for Greece to try to turn its problems with Turkey into a Turkey-NATO, Turkey-EU, Turkey-Europe problem."
On the other hand, he continued, it is regrettable that some of our European friends, some of our friends in the EU and NATO, perceive it this way. They should not agree on that. Unfortunately, some of the EU members are biased, one-sided and blindly supporting the Greeks. Leaving aside the facts, ignoring them, they have an approach as if they are deliberately throwing fuel on the fire to keep the matter from being resolved," he argued.
Source: CNA
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