Türkiye slams attempts to undermine Aegean islands' demilitarized status

Türkiye issued a sharp rebuke Thursday against attempts to undermine the demilitarized status of the Aegean islands, describing such efforts as "unserious, unfortunate and ill-timed" amid escalating regional tensions. Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli emphasized that the legal status of the Eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese is not a "debatable issue" within the framework of the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty.

Exploitation of regional developments

"It is not surprising that certain circles, seeking to exploit the latest developments in our region and consistently attempting to poison our bilateral relations with our NATO ally Greece, are once again trying to create a new fait accompli," Keceli stated. He warned that "any steps taken by these circles, which accuse Türkiye of revisionism while themselves acting contrary to international law, will be considered null and void."

Cyprus reference

Keceli drew a striking parallel, noting: "Even more striking is the fact that the same mentality which in the past attempted to collectively eliminate the Turkish Cypriots, co-owners of the island of Cyprus, now claims that it will protect them." He affirmed that Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with Türkiye's support, are capable of ensuring their own security and acting independently.

Call for stability

Stressing the importance of "a sincere commitment to peace and stability" amid developments in the region, Keceli said Ankara will not permit "faits accomplis by those who, driven by domestic political motives, have made a habit of making unfounded claims and spreading disinformation against our country." He called on the relevant parties to act with common sense, particularly as the region grapples with the expanding US-Israeli conflict with Iran and its broader repercussions.