Akar Calls on US to Cut YPG Support, Downplays Greek Defensive Capabilities

LOCAL NEWS

• Defense Min Akar calls on US to cut support for YPG in Syria, labelling it as an offshoot of ye PKK and terrorist organisation. Says "we demand intellectual ethic from our allies."
  • Also downplays Greek acquisition of French fighter jets - "it is not sufficient. The power of the Turkish army is well-known. It is one of the strongest armies. The Greek Govt is wasting the people's money by purchasing these weapons. It's a futile effort"
• Former Greek Diplomat says Greece's efforts to exclude Turkey from the East Med threaten regional peace and security.
  • Says Greece-Turkey should focus on an agreement on the width of territorial waters before discussing the demarcation of the EEZ. However, as regional neighbours have no choice but to cooperate
• Turkey call on on Greece to end 'pushback' of migrants at sea to Turkey, citing a violation of the 2016 refugee deal, international law and EU law.
  • Recently Ankara has been putting more pressure on the EU to provide the remaining EUR3bn promised under the original migrant deal
• Treasury to repay $21.2bn in debt in March-May: $5.5bn in external debt, $15.7bn of domestic debt redemption (~20% of this being interest & the rest principal).
  • Meanwhile $17.3bn will be borrowed from domestic markets from March-May