Clash Between Çavuşoğlu and Dendias Over “Minority in Thrace” and the Aegean (Video)

Following a one-on-one meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, and the broader discussions between the two delegations, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias concluded his visit to Ankara. In fact, tension arose during the joint press conference when M. Çavuşoğlu spoke of human rights violations against the ’Turkish minority in Thrace“ and ”Greek provocations in the Aegean.“.

Nikos Dendias’s visit to Ankara will conclude this evening with a dinner hosted in his honor by Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, an «iftar» dinner to break the fast, marking the start of Ramadan.

Dendias: We have a long way to go

Among other things, Nikos Dendias emphasized: “The well-known memorandum between Libya and Turkey is an example of Turkey’s non-compliance with international law and is inconsistent with the law of the sea.”.

The refugee issue, on the other hand, is a matter between the EU and Turkey. It stems from the 2016 EU-Turkey Joint Statement. Mr. Çavuşoğlu expressed to me his desire for a new agreement. However, there have been attempts recently to exploit the migration situation in Evros.

Another goal is to de-escalate the situation and prevent unlawful acts, which have intensified recently.

We must also avoid fake news that stirs up tensions, such as the stories that have been circulating recently from certain circles.We have much to gain from Turkey’s accession to the EU, he emphasized, adding that Greece has a positive stance on the issue of visa-free travel, but under the non-negotiable condition of respect for the European acquis, which includes respect for borders and territorial integrity.

We still have a long way to go, but I think we took a step forward today. I invite Mevlüt to pay an official visit to Athens.

Çavuşoğlu: Mr. Minister, you are being provocative!

Tensions flared after the Greek minister’s opening remarks. Taking the floor again, Mr. Çavuşoğlu emphasized: “The Greek minister said that I made provocative statements. But he was the one who was provocative.”.

We cannot accept such statements; the Republic of Turkey is violating Greece’s rights in the Aegean. That is not true. We are discussing this among ourselves, but I am obliged to respond.

I accept the Greeks of this city as Greek Orthodox Christians, but you cannot fail to acknowledge that there are Turkish citizens in Greece. They state that they hold Turkish identity cards. You cannot deny this, nor can you violate this right.

You’ve made 80,000 refugee pushbacks. We shouldn’t turn to third parties to solve our problems. However, if you make such provocative accusations, I am obliged to respond.”.

Facts on the ground and provocative statements should be avoided. We discussed issues in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. There is a difference of opinion on the issues concerning the Aegean. In fact, the president is proposing that a summit be held on the issue of the Eastern Mediterranean.”.

Dendias's Angry Response

Mr. Dendias replied: “I cannot help but respond. You are flying over Greek territory.”.

Furthermore, the Treaty of Lausanne is in force and refers to a Muslim minority. As far as I recall, Turkey has also signed it. In order to become a member of the EU, Turkey must accept UNCLOS. The European Union has signed it. Your reference, Mevlüt, to the ”pushbacks” in the Aegean was incorrect.”.

You talk about demilitarization. But the islands have a military because they’re under threat. A military that costs money. And who is threatening them? We all know. As for airspace, this issue has been around since the 1930s, and Turkey first protested in 1975—45 years later.”.

What Did Erdogan Propose?

Turkish President R.T. Erdoğan proposed holding a summit on the Eastern Mediterranean, M. Çavuşoğlu said after his meeting with N. Dendias. “We discussed all issues concerning our bilateral relations, and there is a difference of opinion on the Aegean issue,« said Mr. Çavuşoğlu, emphasizing that ”we believe that the issues between us can be resolved through constructive dialogue. As for the resolution of our differences, I think we should continue the dialogue we began today,” said M. Çavuşoğlu.

Watch the entire joint press conference without interpretation here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCY9JVR2Lzs