Turkey slams Greek president over Pontic claims

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Foreign Ministry slammed Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos Tuesday over his statement accusing Turkey of the slaughter of Pontic Greeks on the shores of Black Sea almost a century ago.

On Monday, Pavlopoulos said: "the Greek people would continue to fight until the recognition of the genocide of Pontic Greeks and the expression of a sincere apology by perpetrator Turkey."

"These words have no historical or legal consistency," the ministry said in a written statement released by the ministry on Tuesday.

The ministry also rejected false claims that Turkish authorities refused permission for a religious ceremony at Sumela Monastery in northern Trabzon province.

"These words do not reflect the truth," the ministry said, noting that the site is temporarily closed due to restoration.

The ministry said such statements were against the spirit of friendship and good neighbor relations and would not help the development of cooperation between the two countries.