(Washington, D.C.) — Turkish Democracy Project (TDP) calls on NATO allies to support Greece as Ankara escalates its rhetoric this week.
This escalation in Turkey’s rhetoric came after President Erdogan’s most recent demand for Greece to demilitarize its islands in the Aegean. In recent days the foreign ministers of both Germany and France have reiterated their support for Greece’s sovereignty.
This is the latest escalation in a long-standing dispute between the countries. In 2020, Turkey issued an ultimatum to Greece, under threat of violence from Erdogan, demanding that the maritime boundaries be redrawn. More recently, Ankara partnered with Azerbaijan to simulate an attack on Greece. Military analysts suggest that war remains possible, and that Turkey’s behavior is closely mirroring Vladimir Putin’s prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Reacting to comments made yesterday by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar that any move against Greece would constitute “an act of self defense,” TDP CEO Mark Wallace said:
“Turkey’s brazen threat of violence against Greece is just the latest example of Erdogan’s contempt for NATO. President Erdogan is threatening a second war in Europe and acting in bad faith towards his supposed allies. NATO needs to take a strong stand against these continued threats to its unity and security and consider the temporary suspension of Turkey.”
