By Ahval
Turkey’s military and civilian leaders warned Greece against recent “unneighbourly behaviour” in the Aegean and Mediterranean at a meeting late on Wednesday.
The National Security Council, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said in a written statement that Turkey would protect its rights in ongoing disputes with Greece, according to Yeni Şafak newspaper.
Turkey and Greece have fallen out over rights to territory in the Aegean and gas exploration near Cyprus. Turkish security forces also arrested and jailed two Greek soldiers after they crossed Turkey’s border this month, adding to political and military tensions. Greece also accuses Turkey of ramming one of its ships near a disputed Aegean islet.
The warning was the first issued against Turkey’s western neighbour in four years, when Erdoğan first chaired the MGK as president, Yeni Şafak said.
The European Union’s leaders last week criticised Turkey for its approach toward EU member Greece, which is also a member of NATO.
The MGK comprises Erdogan, several government ministers and the leaders of the Turkish armed forces.
