Criticism from Ankara has escalated following remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron during his recent visit to Greece, with a senior Turkish official accusing Paris of taking sides against Turkey.
Speaking at a press conference, AKP spokesperson Ömer Çelik said Macron was adopting a “clearly pro-Greek and pro-Cypriot stance” in favour of Cyprus and Greece, arguing that such positioning was unacceptable between NATO allies.
Çelik claimed that France’s approach “is not based on a realistic foundation” and warned that backing certain allies against others risks deepening divisions within the alliance.
He also argued that Macron’s emphasis on strengthening cooperation with Greece and Cyprus contributes to a confrontational climate and reinforces rhetoric directed against Ankara.
“Even indirectly, when reference is made to alliances with others, Turkey is placed in opposition. This is extremely wrong,” he said, adding that France was showing “unnecessary boldness” through such statements.
Çelik further criticised growing defence ties between Paris, Athens and Nicosia, claiming that these policies do not support stability in the Eastern Mediterranean or unity within NATO.
He also took aim at what he described as a recurring practice of deploying military assets and displaying “flags” in the region during periods of tension.
Turning to Greece, Çelik said Athens should prioritise direct dialogue with Turkey rather than seeking alliances against it.
“At the end of the day, everyone leaves and we remain,” he said, stressing that disputes between Turkey and Greece can only be resolved through negotiations without third-party involvement.
He called on France to reconsider its stance and avoid policies that, in his view, “fuel tension rather than contribute to stability.”
Source: CNA