“Evacuate them by this date, otherwise I will come and evacuate them myself.” Using this hypothetical formulation to describe how he believes Bulent Ecevit would have acted, Kemal Kilicdaroglu revived confrontational rhetoric over Greece’s Aegean islands.
Speaking to journalists, the CHP politician linked the possibility of a Greek-Turkish conflict to the military presence on the islands. He also questioned the objectives behind the American military presence in Alexandroupoli.
Kilicdaroglu clarified that he does not currently see a likelihood of war. Nevertheless, he went on to describe a hypothetical ultimatum to Greece, invoking Turkish allegations that Athens is violating international treaties.
“The Greatest Possibility Is Greece”
The discussion concerned political developments in Turkey and whether a war could overturn the existing political landscape.
Responding to a question, Kilicdaroglu said:
“If a war breaks out, things could be different. And where is such a possibility greatest? The greatest possibility is Greece. The arming of the islands.”
Asked how realistic he considered that scenario, he replied:
“Normally, at this moment, there does not appear to be such a possibility. But if Ecevit were there, there would be. There would, that is. Because you are not respecting international treaties, my friend. Excuse me. ‘Evacuate them by this date, otherwise I will come and evacuate them myself.’ That simple.”
His remarks described the approach he hypothetically attributed to the former Turkish prime minister, rather than an ultimatum announced by Turkey’s current government.
Objections to Greece’s Defence Presence
Kilicdaroglu continued by arguing that Turkey should not passively observe Greece strengthening its defences:
“Nobody can disregard Turkey to such an extent. They cannot. You will arm the Aegean, commanders will go there and put on a display, and you will sit here and watch!”
His comments echoed Turkish arguments portraying the military presence on Greek islands as a violation of treaty obligations.
Athens rejects those allegations and maintains that Greece is entitled to take the necessary measures to ensure its lawful self-defence. This is Greece’s established position, rather than a newly issued response to Kilicdaroglu’s remarks.
“Why Did the Americans Establish Themselves in Alexandroupoli?”
Kilicdaroglu also questioned Alexandroupoli’s role and the US military presence there:
“We need to think even more about these issues. Why did the Americans come and establish themselves in Alexandroupoli? These things need to be monitored and examined. Is it about the Straits or something else? Are they seeking alternative routes? Is there an attempt to weaken Turkey? We need to think about it.”
His remarks broadened the discussion from the defence of the islands to Greece’s wider alliances, presenting Greek-American cooperation as an issue Ankara should monitor closely.
Source: pagenews.gr