EU diplomat: "Hostile remarks by Turkish President a source of serious concern"

The Lead Spokesperson for the External Affairs of the European Union said on Monday that the hostile remarks by the political leadership of Turkey against Greece and the Greek people are a source of serious concern.

Peter Stano was asked during a media briefing whether they have any reactions to the statements made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday.

Erdogan had said, upon allegations by Turkish authorities that a Greek missile system in the island of Crete locked its radar on to Turkish fighter jets:

"We have only one thing to say to Greece: Remember Izmir (...) We don't care that you have invaded the islands, we'll do what's necessary when the time comes. Like we always say, we can suddenly come knocking one night."

Stano replied that they were aware of these hostile remarks, and that the position of the European Union is clear.

He said that the EU expects Turkey to refrain from escalatory rhetoric and instead to engage in good neighborly relations. He added that any issues should be addressed in a peaceful manner, through dialogue, in good faith, in respect of international law, and in accordance with good neighborly relations.

He emphasized that Greece is a member of the EU, and that sovereignty and integrity of EU member states has to be respected.

Later on, the European External Action Service released a communication reiterating Stano’s statement.