Ankara: Trkiye on Thursday criticized attempts to undermine the demilitarized status of the Aegean islands, calling them 'unserious, unfortunate and ill-timed.' The country's Foreign Ministry stated that the legal status of the Eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese is not a 'debatable issue' within the framework of the Treaty of Lausanne, signed in 1923, and the Paris Peace Treaty, signed in 1947.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry's spokesman, Oncu Keceli, emphasized that it is not surprising that certain circles are attempting to exploit recent developments in the region and consistently trying to damage bilateral relations with Greece, a NATO ally. These circles are accused of trying to create a new fait accompli, despite accusing Trkiye of revisionism while acting contrary to international law themselves.

Keceli further pointed out the inconsistency of these circles, noting their past attempts to eliminate Turkish Cypriots, co-owners of Cyprus, while now claiming to protect them. He affirmed that Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with Trkiye's support, are capable of ensuring their own security and acting independently.

Emphasizing the need for 'a sincere commitment to peace and stability' amid regional developments, Keceli declared that Ankara would not permit 'faits accomplis by those driven by domestic political motives.' He urged these parties to act with common sense and to refrain from making unfounded claims and spreading disinformation against Trkiye.