The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, called the claims by Turkish President Erdogan at the UN General Assembly about supposed Greek push-backs of refugees in the Aegean Sea “fake news”.
Speaking to CNN, the PM said Erdogan was trying to create a shocking impression by accusing Greece of drowning babies in the Aegean, while Erdogan did not hesitate to show photos, to support his non-existent claims.
Mitsotakis called on the Turkish side to comply with the rules of International Law and the Law of the Sea, while he spoke of “fake news” regarding the Turkish immigration claims. He clarified, however, that Greece remains open to dialogue.
“We have saved tens of thousands of migrants,” the Greek prime minister said in response to the Turkish attacks on alleged crimes committed by Greece.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis called it absurd for Ankara to launch such accusations against Athens when Turkey itself has such a history.
“Erdogan has encouraged tens of thousands to cross to Europe,” the prime minister said while adding that “we have an obligation to protect immigrants.”
He also noted that Turkey has an important role to play in terms of immigration.
He referred to the “crescendo of provocations” by the Turks who “dispute the sovereignty of the islands”
“Turkey should follow the Law of the Sea” the Greek Prime Minister emphasized, focusing on the issue of Turkish delinquency.
