OREANDA-NEWS. The EU and Greece should stop violating the rights of refugees and fulfill their commitments in this area instead of criticizing Turkey, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said in response to statements of Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.

Earlier Dendias said that Turkey undermines security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and violates the sovereignty of Libya, Syria, Iraq and Cyprus. He made this statement at the end of his visit together with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to the town of Kastanies on the border with Turkey. Dendias noted that Turkey actively sent migrants here to cross the border, but "the blackmail attempt failed".

"Dendias' statements are a new attempt to conceal crimes against refugees in Greece under the cover of the EU. EU members have a duty to protect the rights of refugees. We invite the EU and Greece instead of accusations against our country to fulfill their obligations," Aksoy said.

Hami Aksoy called the Greek minister's remarks about Turkey's actions in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean completely "detached from reality". "It is time for Greece and Cyprus to get rid of the illusion of isolating Turkey from its shores and believing that this is in accordance with international law. Greece will not benefit from the establishment of alliances hostile to Turkey with EU involvement. It should respect Turkey's legitimate rights and solve the existing problems through negotiations," he added.