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Turkey Accuses Greece of Violating Demilitarized Status of Aegean Islands

Published March 12, 2026, 12:12
Turkey Accuses Greece of Violating Demilitarized Status of Aegean Islands

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense accused Greece of violating the demilitarized status of islands in the eastern Aegean Sea, specifically mentioning Limnos and Karpathos, based on the treaties of Lausanne and Paris. Ankara warned that it is taking "all necessary measures" to address these violations, arguing that Greek actions harm good neighborly relations and alliance ties. Turkey accused Greece of exploiting current security crises in the region to advance its interests. In parallel, Turkey announced the strengthening of military capabilities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, citing developments in the Middle East and the need to protect Turkish Cypriots. The deployment of air and anti-air forces aims to increase deterrent power and enhance defense against potential threats. Turkey considers the security of the occupied territories and the maintenance of stability in the eastern Mediterranean to be of strategic importance and assured that it will continue to support Turkish Cypriots. Ankara reserves the right to exercise its "guarantor" rights in Cyprus, if deemed necessary. The Turkish Ministry of Defense described Greek moves as unacceptable, especially in relation to NATO, and emphasized that the existence of such situations between allies is worrying amid the ongoing security crises in the region.