Erdogan says 'price will be heavy' if Greece 'goes too far'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday warned Greece against going "too far" amid continued tensions between the two states.

Erdogan made reference to previous conflicts between the two countries, urging Greece to look back on history.

"If you go too far, the price will be heavy," the president was quoted by Anadolu as saying at the Teknofest technology expo in Samsun province.

"Greece, look at history, go back in time; if you go too far, the price will be heavy. We have one thing to say to Greece: Remember Izmir," he added, referring to Turkey's capture of the province from Greek control during the 1922 war.

Erdogn also made reference to Greece's "occupation" Aegean Sea islands, which are the subject of dispute between the two states.

"When the time comes, we will do what is necessary. As we say, all of a sudden, we can come overnight," he said.

Tensions surfaced again earlier this week when Greece lodged a complaint to NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg over a tweet from the NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) commemorating Turkey's 100th Victory Day. The annual celebration marks Turkey's victory over Greek forces in 1922 at the Battle of Dumlupinar.

The tweet was later replaced with a message saying that LANDCOM was "thankful to have Turkiye as our host nation", angering Ankara.

The Turkish government slammed the move as an "unaccceptable" reponse to Greece's "baseless request".