ANKARA – Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has stepped up rising provocations, blaming Greece for aggression as tension between the countries rises in the dispute over the seas in the Aegean and East Mediterranean.

“(Greece) has repeatedly and constantly made provocations, aggressive statements and actions which raise tension,” Akar said, Kathimerini reported.

He said Greece’s ruling New Democracy, which has sought European Union sanctions against Turkey’s plans to hunt for energy around Greek islands, “falsifying facts and misleading (other states,)” while violating international laws that Turkey doesn’t recognize unless invoking in its favor.

“(Greece) is making selfish statements in order to draw attention to itself,” he said, continuing Turkey’s practice of pretending to want diplomacy while becoming belligerent.

“They are trying to portray themselves as the victim and Turkey as the aggressor. However, history and ongoing developments clearly show that it is them who are adopting an expansionist and aggressive policy,” Akar said.