The “RIVER ROUTE 2024” military exercise that took place at the Center for the Training of Floating Media (KEPM) in Evros has caused reactions in Turkey. As reported by the SKAI correspondent in Istanbul, Manolis Kostidis, the Turkish media are talking about provocations of the Greeks at the zero point of the border while at the same time they talk about a “challenge in the relations between the two countries”.

“The Greek armed forces came to the zero point of the border, gathered forces and carried out a military exercise. Military analysts considered this exercise to be provocative. The neighboring country again made provocations and carried out a military exercise next to the border with Turkey. The Greek army with its tanks and helicopters came to ground zero. The aim of the exercise was to conduct the border crossing operation aimed at Turkey. Observers from 6 different countries also participated in the provocative exercise. The exercise was watched from a tent set up next to the Evros river” reports the Turkish television network TV100 and adds:

“They say the aim of the exercise is to test the capabilities of tanks and armored vehicles as well as floating bridges with the aim of crossing water obstacles.”

As the SKAI correspondent comments, we see the climate changing from the Turkish media, despite the fact that certain things have been agreed between the two countries.

At the same time, the television network Sozcu TV commented on the exercise in Evros, with him appearing to point out that “it may cause a problem in relations”.
Specifically, he commented:

“There is an issue that can cause a problem in relationships. Greece carried out a military exercise in an area next to the border with Turkey. Tanks and helicopters were used in the exercise and it was watched by 6 observers, among them were from the USA, Cyprus and Armenia. Greece conducted a military exercise in western Thrace at the zero point of the border with Turkey, and the military exercise had the scenario of crossing rivers. The exercise was attended by observers from the USA, Egypt, Cyprus, Armenia and Bulgaria. The goal of the exercise was realistic training for crossing water obstacles and rivers under real conditions.”

Erdogan defends new education program

At the same time, the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his speech, he defended the new Turkish education program drawn up by the Ministry of Education, which included the “Blue Homeland” and the Turkish-Libyan memorandum, while at the same time he referred to the increase in priestly schools.

“My children graduated from seminary but then went to Harvard and the London School of Economics” said Erdogan characteristically.

As the SKAI correspondent comments, a new ideology is entering in many areas with the opposition blaming Erdogan for his attitude of including various programs concerning religion and the Aegean in schools.

Specifically, in his speech, the Turkish president said:

“Stop using this issue as an appetizer for your ideological struggles. Come on, don’t stand in the way of our children’s future, successes and dreams.

I am also the father of 4 children. All 4 graduated from Imam Hatip Lyceums (priestly schools): Among my children there are those who graduated from Harvard, some who graduated from the London School of Economics.

Well, look at this, they graduated from these places. I am proud of these children of mine. The issue is not which high school they will graduate from, that is, the priestly schools. But after they will continue after. I’m proud of these kids, if it’s Harvard then Harvard if it’s going to the London School of Economics then London Sxhool of Economics… Look at all of them and while they’re doing all of that, they’re coming in with passing grades.”