In response to a provocative statement from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs claiming a 'demilitarization regime' for the Aegean islands, Athens has firmly rejected these assertions, labeling them ungrounded. Diplomatic sources in Greece highlighted that such unilateral claims concerning the demilitarization of the islands have been persistently denied in their entirety. Officials emphasize that the status of the Greek islands in the Eastern Aegean is governed by several key treaties, including the Treaty of Peace of Lausanne (1923), the Montreux Convention (1936), and the Treaty of Peace of Paris (1947), of which Turkey is not even a signatory.

Furthermore, Greek officials underline that these treaties leave no ambiguity regarding the status of the islands and assert that Greece's defense strategy remains non-negotiable. The note points out that the ongoing state of conflict in the broader region necessitates Greece's essential defensive preparations. This situation reflects a heightened tension in Greek-Turkish relations, particularly regarding territorial integrity and sovereignty over these strategically significant Aegean islands, further complicating diplomatic interactions in a historically fraught context.

Athens's robust defense posture is showcased through its insistence on the legitimacy of its military presence on the islands, countering Turkish narratives that seek to undermine Greece's sovereignty. The insistence on maintaining a solid defense mechanism signals concerns about regional security and the imperative to safeguard national interests amidst ongoing regional disputes, challenging the dynamics of international law and treaty obligations in the Mediterranean region.