ISTANBUL – ANSWER. During the time when Recep Tayyip Erdogan travels to Prague to participate in Meeting of the European Political Communitywith the expectation of rapprochement with European countries, the Minister of Defense of Turkey Hulusi Akar raises the tone with Greece to an unprecedented level.

Mr. Akar said that the navy and air force of the neighboring country had been given instructions regarding Hellas, emphasizing that “we are determined to do whatever is necessary with the logic of ‘let me die, let me be the witness’.” In his speech at the National Defense University, corresponding to the Icaron School, Mr. Akar said that “Greece has militarized the islands with a demilitarized status in violation of international law. We are closely monitoring everything. For them, the necessary studies have been and are being carried out. This situation began with Chios in 1956. Something has happened since that day, but Cardak (ss Imia) in 1996 was a milestone. We said hello! Stop this. There can be no question of them taking even one step after that. Wherever he goes.” The Turkish Defense Minister specified that “especially the navy and air force have received clear instructions. It is impossible to show understanding and make concessions on this issue.”

In his speech, Mr. Acar stated that the Greeks were still striving for the “Great Idea” and went so far as to go back in time and claim that “they entered Anatolia and fell into the sea in 1922. Read History, remember. If you think something like that, we say, “Don’t forget to swim. Can’t swim.”

H. Acar noted in relation to Greece that “we are determined to do whatever is necessary, guided by the logic of ‘let me die, let me be a martyr'”, referring to Imia.

“Third countries” that support Greece have also been targeted by the Minister of Defense, “so they are taking part. We say that if you do not want a problem to arise between Turkey and Greece, do not give up objective criteria. If you support Greece publicly, disproportionately and against Turkey, the consequences will be severe.”

Meanwhile, Tayyip Erdogan is expected to arrive in Prague around 11 am and visit the Turkish embassy first. During the meeting, he is expected to meet with the leaders of France, Armenia, the Czech Republic and Spain. Turkish sources say that the main purpose of the Turkish mission will be to present Turkey’s intention to get closer to the countries of Europe. The question remains about the attitude of European leaders and especially Mr. Macron, who is expected to meet with Mr. Erdogan, regarding Turkey’s policy in Greek-Turkish, Cypriot, Libyan relations and its relations with Russia, since Ankara has not yet entered sanctions against Moscow.

Erdogan is expected to make important announcements about Ankara’s intentions during a press conference scheduled before he leaves the Czech capital.