‘Don’t get carried away by the words of others,’ Akar tells Athens
Although purporting to send a message of dialogue to Greece, Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar accused Athens of stoking tension with Ankara.
“There are deep problems. Invite us to come to Greece to talk. We can solve our own problems between ourselves. We expect Greece to abandon these actions and rhetoric that increase tension and to speak as responsibly and reasonably as possible. Do not misunderstand our call for dialogue – this is not fear, this is not weakness. On the other hand, we will protect our rights. We will not allow any fait accompli. We will not allow our rights to be violated,” Akar said on Friday, stressing that Greece must keep its feet on the ground.
“Be smart and sensible. Let’s talk, let’s have peace and quiet. Unfortunately, some politicians in Greece are stirring up the situation with internal political calculations and intensifying the atmosphere. Its [Greece’s] attempt at an arms race is futile,” he said.
