ISTANBUL (TURKEY) – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the country is determined to do whatever it is necessary to obtain its rights in the Black Sea, Aegean and Mediterranean.
“We will not compromise over what belongs to us …We are determined to do whatever is necessary,” Erdogan said. This comes a day after the German foreign minister sought to mediate in the dispute between Turkey and Greece over control of eastern Mediterranean waters.
While speaking during a ceremony commemorating the 11th century military victory of Seljuk Turks over the Byzantine empire at Malazgirt, the president urged Ankara’s counterparts to avoid mistakes that would bring their own destruction.
Tensions between both countries escalated after Turkey sent survey vessel Oruc Reis to the eastern Mediterranean which was condemned by Greece.
Both countries are NATO allies and they are involved in a dispute over claims to hydrocarbon resources in the area based on conflicting views of their continental shelves.
“If there is anyone who wants to pay its price, they are welcome to confront us. If not then they should go away so we can handle our own business,” Erdogan also said.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.