Turkey on Combat Readiness: Greek Foreign Minister Warns

Turkey continues to claim certain disputed islands and is now on combat readiness. There is a risk of war. This statement was made by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias during a press briefing following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. The information is reported by RIA Novosti.

The Greek minister accused Turkey of continuing its aggressive and destabilizing behavior.

“Perhaps Turkey is taking advantage of the fact that everyone's attention is on another country and is pushing forward its unrealistic and illegal demands directed against Greece’s sovereignty,” said the Greek Foreign Minister.

At the same time, Dendias emphasized that Greece will steadfastly uphold its policies and will advocate for constructive dialogue based on international law.

“Naturally, we will defend our sovereignty, national interests, and dignity, confronting any threat,” added the minister.

In 1995, when the Greek parliament ratified the UNCLOS convention, Ankara declared that if Greece extended its territorial waters in the Aegean Sea from 6 to 12 nautical miles, it would be considered a violation of Turkey's national sovereignty and would become a casus belli, a reason for declaring war.

The relations between Greece and Turkey have seriously deteriorated in recent years due to territorial disputes. The two countries have been unable to reach an agreement over maritime zones.