Turkish National Security Council: Greek "violations" of international law "unacceptable"

Turkish National Security Council (MGK) blamed neighboring Greece for violating international law and pursuing provocative actions against Turkey.

“In addition to its provocative actions, Greece continues violating Turkey’s airspace and territorial waters,” MGK said on Thursday, following its monthly meeting chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

“This is unacceptable,” it said.

Turkey is at loggerheads with Greece in a string of issues, including over territory.

The two neighbors frequently blame each other for violation of airspace and territorial waters. Ankara also blames Athens for militarizing its Aegean islands, saying that it is against international law. Greece denies the claims and says the international treaties maintaining the status of the islands signed a century ago, no longer applies. 

Ignoring the international law, Greece maintains its stance against good neighborly relations and NATO alliance, MGK said.

The Council also called on the Greek administration to stop its "illegal” activities "against human rights" toward irregular migrants, accusing Athens of endangering their lives.

Migrants are another disputed issue between the two country, blaming each other for “illegal” pushbacks. 

On its Thursday meeting, MGK also urged its NATO allies to support Turkey in its fight against terrorist organizations, including the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Gulen movement, until they are completely eliminated.

MGK also reiterated Turkey’s call for an immediate declaration of a comprehensive truce, ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, “before it leads to further loss of life and destruction.”