Ankara: Trkiye on Tuesday criticized Greece over events and statements this Tuesday, May 19, related to the Pontus claims, urging Athens to avoid 'distorting history' and instead pursue peaceful bilateral ties.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that May 19, the day in 1919 when the Republic of Trkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk arrived in Samsun to initiate the Turkish War of Independence against occupying forces including Greece, is commemorated by the Turkish nation as the Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth, and Sports Day.

The ministry accused Greece of advancing 'groundless allegations' against Trkiye through legislation adopted in 1994 over the Pontus claims. It further stated that such narratives are unfortunately being taught in Greek schools, urging Greece to refrain from exploiting history for political concerns.

The statement from the ministry claimed that by reviving the unfounded Pontus allegations, Athens is attempting to 'cover up' its defeat from that time, as well as alleged atrocities committed during its military campaign in Anatolia. It cited 'war crimes and atrocities' committed by the Greek army, documented in Allied investigation commission reports and Article 59 of the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne.

Trkiye also called on Greece to recall historical events including the Tripolitsa massacre of 1821 and the violence that followed the occupation of Izmir on May 15, 1919. The ministry urged Greece to focus on facts and foster bilateral relations based on peace and cooperation.