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AKP Official: 'Your Weapons Are Not Enough for Turkey'

Published March 19, 2026, 12:14
AKP Official: 'Your Weapons Are Not Enough for Turkey'

The Deputy Chairman of the ruling Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP), Hüseyin Yayman, strongly criticized Greece for strengthening military forces on the Aegean islands and developments in Cyprus. He argued that Greek weapons would not be enough to confront Turkey and accused Greece of trying to turn the Aegean Sea into a “field of conflict.” Yayman stated that Turkey would not allow the increase of Greece's military presence on the islands and that diplomacy should be a priority. He also criticized the Greek Cypriot side for cooperating with third countries. The statements by Yayman are a continuation of the increasing tension between Greece and Turkey, due to military exercises and the presence of Greek forces on the Aegean islands. Turkey has repeatedly expressed its concern about the arming of the islands and has threatened retaliation.