Reaction to Greece deploying Patriot missile system to Karpathos Island: 'Null and void'

Greece has announced that it has deployed a Patriot air defense system to the island of Karpathos, citing rising tensions in the Middle East. In a statement, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias noted that this step was taken to strengthen the country's defense capacity and that they had made this decision to increase air defense measures in the region.

NEW STATEMENT FROM GREECE

Greek Defense Minister Dendias emphasized that this step was a military precaution, stating, “There are also Greek ships with air defense capabilities in the region. Our country is protected.” However, this move by Greece was evaluated by Turkey as a practice contrary to the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty. This treaty stipulates that the Dodecanese islands, which belong to Greece, must remain demilitarized.

TURKEY'S "NULL AND VOID" REACTION

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli responded to the statements made by Greek Defense Minister Dendias. In his statement, Keçeli described the remarks as “unserious, unfortunate, and untimely,” and emphasized that the non-military status of the Eastern Aegean Islands and the Dodecanese is clearly defined within the framework of the Paris and Lausanne Treaties. The Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that such steps are "null and void."

Keçeli also criticized certain circles attempting to poison relations between Turkey and Greece by taking advantage of developments in the region. Keçeli said, “It is not surprising to see that circles wishing to turn developments in our region into an opportunity are trying to damage Turkey-Greece relations at every opportunity.”

GREECE'S RESPONSE: "CANNOT BE INTERFERED WITH"

Greece responded to Turkey's reaction. Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lana Zohiou rejected Turkey's claims regarding the demilitarization of the Aegean islands. Zohiou stated that these arguments by Turkey are baseless and that statements on this matter have been made many times before. The Greek official emphasized that the status of the Eastern Aegean islands is regulated by the Treaty of Lausanne, the 1936 Montreux Convention, and the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty, and that Greece's defense policy cannot be opened for discussion.

ATHENS EMPHASIZES DEFENSE POLICY

Stating that “Greece’s defense posture is non-negotiable,” Zohiou indicated that the Athens administration would not allow any interference in its defense policies. The Greek government argued that this step only serves the purpose of increasing the country's defense capacity, stating that they are pursuing an approach that does not contradict international law.  

News Source: 12punto