Athens is outraged: Fidan accused Greece of a “monopoly on European security”

Chapter Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Hakan Fidan said that Israeli arms supplies to Greece “destroy the balance of power” and threaten stability Eastern Mediterranean. Athens in response named the statements of the Turkish minister “provocative”emphasizing that Greece will protect its interests within the framework EU And NATO.

Greece considered the head’s statements provocative Turkish Foreign Ministry Hakan Fidan regarding the European weapons program SAFE – Security Action for Europeafter Ankara accused Athens and Israel in undermining regional stability. Tensions between the countries have increased amid disputes over Greece’s role in the European security system and Israeli arms supplies to Athens.

Fidan in an interview with a TV channel ULKE TV stated that “decisions affecting the security of Europe must serve not only the interests of one country.” He stressed that the EU security system has been “captured by countries like Greece” and that Türkiye does not intend to put up with their “monopoly.”

According to the minister, Greece behaves “overly aggressively”, focusing on weapons instead of constructive dialogue, and Israel contributes to this by supplying Athens with modern weapons. Ankara regarded this as a step that “disturbs the balance of power” and threatens stability in Eastern Mediterranean.

“Our president gives every Greek prime minister a chance. But Greece does not have political legitimacy strong enough to end the problems with Turkey.” Fidan said, accusing Athens of using an “anti-Turkish agenda” to divert attention from internal crises.

Fidan also noted that “Greek politics is fueled by anti-Turkish rhetoric,” and now it has also included an anti-Israeli element. “Greek leaders use the Israeli issue as an instrument of domestic politics, but at the same time purchase Israeli weapons. This hypocrisy is troubling.” – he said.

He recalled that in 1974 Greece left the military structure NATOand returned six years later – with the consent of Turkey. “We showed strategic maturity then. Now we expect the same responsible position from Athens,” – the minister emphasized.

According to the publication Al-AndalusThe European Commission has confirmed receipt of the Turkish application for participation in the program SAFE and stated that it was under consideration. Meanwhile, as reported Kathimerini, Germany puts pressure on Greece to withdraw its objections by the end of November.

Fidan said that Greece and Israel, through their actions, have “hijacked the European security system” and their alliance poses a threat to the “common interests of Europe.” He also accused Cyprus in involvement in airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, claiming that planes taking part in attacks on Palestinian areas took off from its territory.

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis denied the accusations and emphasized that Athens does not intend to discuss issues related to national sovereignty. He called Fidan’s words “an attempt to divert attention from the internal situation in Turkey.”

Analysts say Fidan’s new attack reflects an attempt Ankara use the aggravation in the Middle East to put pressure on EU and restoring Turkey’s influence in the region. However, the statements of the Turkish minister only increased the wariness of European capitals and confirmed that relations between Greece and Turkey remain one of the most tense in Europe.

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