Defense Minister urges Greece to 'talk' over problems

By Kadir Yildiz

ISTANBUL

Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik has called on Greece Saturday to solve the problems "by talking" following the islet crisis on the Aegean Sea.

Fikri Isik said the neighboring countries should work together to solve their problems while urging that "provocative statements" of his Greek counterpart, Panos Kammenos must end.

"In recent days, we are sadly watching Greek Defense Minister who made extremely unfounded and irresponsible statements," Isik said during a meeting of ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in Turkey's northwestern province of Kocaeli.

"[His] statements, discourses and actions are irresponsible and provocative, therefore, I condemn him," Isik said.

Turkish Foreign Minister also released a statement late Friday, over Kammenos's Turkey remarks on Greek TV channel Wednesday, stating, "we condemn his baseless, inappropriate as well as unethical expressions against our country and our President and return them to the owner."

"We call on the Greek authorities once more to duly act with responsibility and refrain from the statements that would undermine the atmosphere of cooperation that we are trying to achieve between the two countries," the ministry's statement read.

On Thursday, some Greek media outlets reported that Greek paratroopers landed on Kos, violating the Paris Peace Treaty that prohibits all military activities in the island.

*Ilker Girit in Istanbul contributed to this story.