6 minutes agoErdogan no longer wants to speak to Greek prime minister
Periskopi(4 years ago)
(4 years ago)Turkish President Erdogan has pressed serious charges against Greece. He doesn't want <x0) back in” to exchange a word with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis. In a televised address, Erdogan accused Greece of sheltering supporters of the Gylen movement, which he considers responsible for the 2016 coup attempt. Turkish President criticised [...]
In a televised address, Erdogan accused Greece of sheltering supporters of the Gylen movement, which he considers responsible for the 2016 coup attempt.
The Turkish president also criticised Prime Minister Mitsotakis since mid-month, he advised the United States not to sell fighter aircraft to Turkey. Greek prime minister's statements at the American Congress last week are probably the main reason for Erdogan's anger.
Mitsotakis recommended in Congress in the United States not to sell military equipment east of the Mediterranean. The United States should avoid creating a new source of instability on the southeastern NATO side: “I ask you to take this into account when you make decisions to purchase defence equipment for the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Mitsotakis. It is thought that he referred to Turkey, without clearly mentioning the neighbouring country's name.
As a result, Erdogan announced that he would never speak to Mitsotakis again. In addition, a planned conference between the Turkish and Greek governments will be cancelled.
Erdogan said he has agreed with Greece not to include any third parties in the works between the two countries. But since the Greek side now unilaterally broke that promise, Erdogan declared: “Mitsotakis no longer exists for me. I'll never see him again.” However, he does not think the US will make the decision on the F-16 issue in line with Mitsotakis's recommendation, Erdogan said.
Turkey has long sought to buy American warplanes F-16. Initially, she wanted to get 100 modern F-35s. But United States derailed agreement after Turkey angered NATO buying a S-400 missile defence system from Russia. In October 2021, some sources indicated Turkey was seeking to receive F-16 instead of F-35.
A spokesman for the Athens government said following Erdogan's statements that there would be no involvement in a verbal battle with Turkish leadership. Greek foreign policy is oriented on international rights and existing alliances, even though this may concern some. /DW
