We came across some news in the Greek media regarding the deployment exercises involving paratroopers of the Greek Special Forces on Istanköy (Kos) Island.

The 1947 Paris Peace Treaty prohibits all types of military training activities on Istanköy (Kos) Island, which was ceded to Greece by Italy on the condition that it would be and remain demilitarized. The said military training on the island is therefore a clear violation of international law.

In this regard, we urge our neighbor Greece to refrain from unilateral acts against international law that has the potential to create tensions and lead to escalation, and from which Greece cannot extricate itself. We re-emphasize that we will continue to take the necessary steps in line with Turkey’s political and legal positions regarding the Aegean Sea.