Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Greece to "change course" and stop what Ankara considers the militarization of the Aegean islands, which under international treaties have demilitarized status.
Erdogan's statement comes at a time when relations between Turkey and Greece continue to be accompanied by strong disagreements regarding the Aegean islands and the interpretation of international treaties.
In an interview with the Greek newspaper "Kathimerini", after returning from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Erdogan stressed that Turkey has no territorial claims against any country, but warned that Ankara will not allow the rights it claims to have been violated.
"Turkey has no ambitions for anyone's territory, but it will not allow anyone to violate its rights," the Turkish president declared.
Erdogan urged Athens to turn away from what he called a "wrong path" and respect international treaties. According to him, ignoring or violating international agreements does not serve either side and could create consequences for stability in the region.
The Turkish president also warned that Ankara's cautious approach should not be interpreted as weakness. "Anyone who interprets Turkey's calm and rational approach as weakness is making a serious mistake," Erdogan said.
