Türkiye: Greece's island actions violate treaties, harm bilateral ties

2026-03-12 - 09:53

Türkiye's National Defense Ministry issued a statement Thursday accusing Greece of actions that violate existing treaties regarding the status of certain islands and undermine bilateral neighborly relations. The ministry said Greece's initiatives concerning the islands' status contradict agreements that were properly concluded under international law. Unlawful actions "Greece's actions violating islands' status under existing treaties are unlawful and harm bilateral neighborly relations," the statement said. The ministry's condemnation reflects ongoing tensions between the two NATO allies over the demilitarized status of Eastern Aegean islands, which Türkiye has repeatedly warned against efforts to undermine. Rejection of self-serving moves The ministry added: "Türkiye rejects Greece's self-serving moves and exploitation of regional crises and has taken necessary measures." The reference to exploitation of regional crises comes amid the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran, which has drawn in Gulf states and raised tensions across the Eastern Mediterranean, potentially creating opportunities for unilateral actions. Regional context The statement follows Türkiye's previous warnings against attempts to challenge the legal framework established by the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty, which define the status of Eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese. Ankara has consistently maintained that the demilitarized status of these islands is not debatable and has warned against any efforts to create new faits accomplis.