Turkey issues statement regarding Greek military presence on Aegean islands

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense, represented by spokesperson Zeki Akturk, has accused Greece of violating the demilitarized status of Lemnos and Karpathos. Ankara claims that these islands were granted to Greece under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Treaty of Paris with the express condition of remaining demilitarized. The Turkish side stated that Greek military activities, specifically the deployment of Patriot systems and F-16 fighter jets, constitute a fundamental violation of international law. Turkey warned that it is taking all necessary measures in response to these actions, which it describes as damaging to good neighborly relations. Furthermore, Turkish authorities announced the strengthening of military capabilities in Northern Cyprus. Ankara rejected potential European assistance for Cyprus, asserting that it is capable of providing for the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Greece has not issued a new official response to these specific claims in this report. Turkey emphasizes that these actions do not legally alter the demilitarized status of the islands.