Turkish President Erdogan: Lausanne Treaty Is Negotiable

By Philip Chrysopoulos -
Nov 22, 2016

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeated a statement he first made over a month ago, saying that the Lausanne Treaty is subject to negotiation.

The 1923 Lausanne Treaty delineates the borders between Turkey and Greece. Turkish pro-government news website A Haber published new statements by the Turkish president.

“What would happen if Turkey stays away from Syria and elsewhere? Would there be peace and security in those regions?” Erdogan wondered aloud.

“The rules set by the victorious powers of World War II did not give Turkey the right to survival. With the Treaty of Sevres (1920), Turkey was divided in 7-8 pieces. Turkey did not accept that dichotomy that formed today’s border. The debate on the Treaty of Lausanne begins at this point,” the Turkish president continued.

“Of course we are content that we benefited from the Treaty of Lausanne. But it is a treaty that can be discussed. Under no circumstances is it sacred text. And of course we will discuss it,” Erdogan noted.

And his statements continued: “We will work to ensure something better. They still attempt to trap us with the Lausanne Treaty. Please forgive us. I have the right to speak. We will make every effort to ensure the goals of 2023. We know that we will step on the foot of many sides. We will upset many interests. On this we will work together in each case. We are determined to steer Turkey ahead.”