Trying to test Turkey’s power would be unwise, said the nation’s defense minister on Thursday, reiterating that it is both determined and able to protect its own rights and interests.
Everyone should know that the Turkish Republic has truly become a player on the international stage, Hulusi Akar told Anadolu Agency’s Editors’ Desk.
“TURKEY’S POWER SHOULD NOT BE TESTED”
The Navtex maritime alert Turkey issued on Sunday was to ensure the safety of its naval forces in the Eastern Mediterranean during a training off the coast of Iskenderun, southern Turkey, said Akar. On disputes over maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Akar stressed that Turkey has no designs on anyone’s land or sea, but the country will not allow any attack on its territory from its neighbors’ lands or seas.
On Turkey’s borders in the Eastern Mediterranean, he explained: “We said what would happen if you violated them. But we always stress that we favor dialogue.”
Against Greece’s “maximalist” maritime claims, trying to confine Turkey to shore based on small Greek islands just off the Turkish coast, Turkey has sought dialogue to reach fair sharing through a win-win approach. “Turkey favors dialogue [on maritime issues], we want peace, but we also want our rights,” said Akar, stressing Turkey’s desire for dialogue.
Turkey would be happy to welcome its Greek counterparts if they decide to sit down and talk, he added. “Turkey’s power should not be tested,” said Akar, reiterating that Turkey is determined and able to protect its own rights and interests.