Greece: We respond decisively to Turkey’s actions

According to Fars News Agency’s International Group, the Greek Foreign Minister stressed on Saturday that the settlement of disputes with Turkey is possible only on the basis of respect for the basic principles of international law.

According to the newspaper “اکثیمرینی“One of these key principles is to protect the sovereignty of countries,” said Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias. “We are facing an unprecedented escalation of provocative actions by Turkey, and at the same time an escalation of the situation on the ground,” he said. “During this escalation, we respond decisively, but calmly.”

Dendias noted that Greece is sincere in its intention to keep the lines of communication with Ankara open.

Meanwhile, Turkish Defense Minister Halusi Akar met with his Greek counterpart Nikos Panagiotopoulos on Thursday. The meeting between the defense ministers of Turkey and Greece took place on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, as tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent weeks.

Akar and Panagiotopoulos stressed the need to maintain dialogue in order to reduce current tensions. The two also discussed keeping lines of communication open in order to resolve issues and focus on positive reciprocal agendas for good neighborliness.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Thursday about the militarization of islands in the Aegean Sea, saying “we are not joking about the request from Greece to demilitarize these islands.”

Turkish President calls on Greek government to suspend sending troops to civilian islands and abide by international agreements

Greece and Turkey have been at loggerheads over the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean rights for decades. They are also embroiled in a fierce arms race that has cost the most defense compared to other NATO members.

In recent days, media sources reported the readiness of the Greek Armed Forces. Senior Greek Defense Ministry sources said that based on the military intelligence gathered, there was a possibility of a threat from Turkey as the two NATO allies competed for oil and gas drilling rights in the disputed parts of the Aegean and the Mediterranean. (More details)

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