Greece asks NATO and EU to condemn Erdogan’s remarks over Aegean Islands

Greece sent letters to NATO and the UN complaining about "inflammatory" statements by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, asking the two international bodies to condemn Ankara's rhetoric, Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported. 

The letters by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias cited a number of recent public remarks by Erdogan, which Greece sees as a direct threat to its territorial integrity.

“These public statements by the Turkish president speak for themselves; they are unprovoked, unacceptable and an insult against Greece and the Greek people,” Dendias said in the letters.

"Greece, look at history, go back in time; if you go too far, the price will be heavy. We have one thing to say to Greece: Remember Izmir," Erdogan said last week, recalling a heavy defeat of Greek forces in 1922 by the Turkish army.

"When the time comes, we will do what is necessary. As we say, all of a sudden, we can come overnight," Erdogan said, accusing Greece of “occupying” the Aegean Islands. 

On Monday, Peter Stano from the EU External Affairs said that the “hostile remarks” by the political leadership of Turkey against Greece and the Greek people were a source of serious concern.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also sent a letter to EU, NATO and UN to "draw attention to the unlawful actions and maximalist demands of Greece."

The letter "affirmed that Ankara is pro-dialogue and cooperative despite Athens avoiding dialogue and escalating tensions while including the EU as part of Aegean problems," Turkish state agency Anadolu said.