Celik accuses Dendias of being a ‘provocateur’

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is a "provocateur" and among the "extremist elements" in Greece who are trying to underline the dialogue between Athens and Ankara, a spokesman for Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP) has said.

Omer Celik took aim at Dendias following remarks he made on a recent visit to Kastellorizo regarding the island's significant geopolitical importance and its crucial role in Greece's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

"The door to dialogue was opened during [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan's meeting with [the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos] Mitsotakis. While this approach is being pursued, extreme elements in Greece are doing everything they can to sabotage this dialogue," Celic said at a meeting of the AKP leadership.

"The provocateur Dendias made statements that overstepped the mark. He went to Kastellorizo and...