Erdogan’s junior partner’s proclivity draws the ire of Athens

The reaction of Athens to yesterday’s public posting of a map by senior party officials of the junior partner of Turkey’s government, which depicts Greek territory as Turkish, was livid.

Athens speaks of a particularly aggressive and provocative action that is absolutely condemnable.

Specifically, according to diplomatic sources, “the public posting of a map by senior officials of the party that is a government partner in Turkey, which depicts Greek territory as Turkish, is a particularly aggressive and provocative action and is absolutely condemnable. Unfortunately, it is part of the escalation of extreme rhetoric from Turkey that we witness on a daily basis. We expect the immediate categorical and public disapproval of this unacceptable act of questioning the territorial sovereignty of our country”.

New map shows eastern Aegean and Crete as part of Turkey

Once again Devlet Bakhceli lit another fuse under Greek-Turkish relations, shown holding a map depicting the Aegean islands and Crete as part of Turkey.

The map was given as a gift to the head of the far-right Nationalist Action Party (MIR), by the ultra-nationalist organization “Grey Wolves”. Essentially, though, Bakhtseli is effectively the leader of the Grey Wolves as well. The map was given during Bakhceli’s visit to the extremist organization’s headquarters.

“Bakhceli is an amalgam of nationalists and Nazis”

“In Turkey, they are entering a pre-election period and such incidents are sure to occur, especially from Bakhceli, who is an amalgam of nationalists and Nazis,” said deputy minister of education, and international relations professor Angelos Syrigos. He also noted that this particular Turkish politician represents the most extreme tendencies of Turkish society and that he sells to his people. “Tis is the reason his voters vote for him. For his extreme positions”, he pointed out.

In fact, the Deputy Minister of Education commented that the new map of Bakhtseli goes one step further than the “Blue Homeland”, including even Crete.

However, he emphasized that Greece’s response to Turkish provocations rests on three pillars: international law, strong defense and strong international alliances.