In new provocative statements, the representative of the ruling AKP party, during the meeting of the central committee, directed his fire against Greece, Israel and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Celik argued that “”, accusing Greece of equipping islands with civilian status, which he called “a mistake”. At the same time, he criticized the cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus with Israel, which he attributed to a destabilizing factor in the region.
He also made a special reference to the European Union, expressing his opposition to a possible strengthening of its military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. He said such a move would be the “extremely wrong approach”, arguing that the EU had failed to formulate a credible security strategy, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Turkey is a guarantor force”
He reiterated that Turkey, as a “guarantor power”, is ready to act to protect the interests of the pseudo-state, leaving clear indications for eventual escalation.
At the same time, an article in the Turkish newspaper Milliyet speaks of a “secret agreement” between Greece and Israel, leaving hints for the cultivation of a “warlike climate” from Athens. According to the same publication, Greece is reportedly proceeding to strengthen its air defense with Israeli systems, as part of a wider armament program.
Similar reports were made by the Israeli Channel 14, which reported that an important defense agreement has been signed between Athens and Tel Aviv, with the aim of strengthening the Greek air defense against the growing Turkish influence in the region.
In this context, Greece is reportedly proceeding with the supply of advanced systems, such as “David’s Sling”, “Spyder”, “Barak MX” and “PULS”, which are already in use in Israel. The program is part of the “Achilles Shield” plan, which envisages the creation of a multi-layered air defense system by 2030.
The issue had come up again in the past, with reports talking about the replacement of Greece’s old anti-aircraft systems, such as the OSA-AK, TOR M1 and Hawk, with new Israeli technology.
