Erdogan remarks raise questions over government’s preparation ahead of visit, ND says
The conservative opposition says that controversial comments made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of his visit to Greece Thursday have raised questions over the preparations made by the Greek government.
In an interview with Skai TV and Kathimerini on Wednesday, Erdogan suggested an “update” to the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne which set out the modern borders between Greece and Turkey. He also expressed his annoyance at Greece's failure to respond to Turkish demands for the extradition of eight servicemen accused by Ankara of taking part in last year's failed coup.
“[Erdogan’s] insistent questioning of the Lausanne Treaty, which is the cornerstone of stability and security in the Aegean and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, as well as his recommendations to the independent Greek judiciary undermine efforts to improve bilateral relations,” New Democracy’s shadow foreign minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos said.
“The interview raises serious concerns and doubts over the preparations that the government and the Foreign Ministry made ahead of the visit,” he said.
