Turkey Says Greece's Defense Agreement With France Contradicts NATO Interests
Faizan Hashmi Published October 01, 2021 | 11:48 PM
Greece's position on the issue of maritime and air borders with Turkey, expressed in its defense agreement with France, contradicts international law and NATO interests, the Turkish foreign ministry said on Friday, commenting on the inclusion of Greek maritime jurisdiction in the new deal with Paris
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2021) Greece's position on the issue of maritime and air borders with Turkey, expressed in its defense agreement with France, contradicts international law and NATO interests, the Turkish foreign ministry said on Friday, commenting on the inclusion of Greek maritime jurisdiction in the new deal with Paris.
On Tuesday, Greece and France signed a major defense deal under which Athens will purchase three French navy frigates, while Article 2 of the deal includes a commitment to mutual assistance in case of an armed attack on either. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos said the deal applies to the entire sovereign territory of Greece, including territorial waters.
"Greece's maximalist maritime jurisdiction area and national airspace claims are in contravention of international law. It is a vain dream for Greece to think that they can impose upon Turkey these claims, which are also questioned by the international community, by forming bilateral military alliances against Turkey, undermining NATO Alliance itself," Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic said in a statement.
The spokesman said that Greece is pursuing a "problematic policy" of armament, as well as isolation and alienation of Turkey, instead of cooperation, adding that such a policy "will threaten regional peace and stability."
Turkey will respond by strengthening its "determination to protect the rights of both our own and those of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas," according to Bilgic.
In the summer of 2020, Turkey carried out seismic studies in the Eastern Mediterranean, which Greece considers to be its exclusive economic zone. The Greek armed forces were placed on high alert. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said the two countries were on the brink of armed conflict three times in the summer of 2020, and a general mobilization of the Greek armed forces was carried out.
Recent Stories
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema chairs meeting with EDCF ..
Jinnah House attack: ATC grants bail to 7 accused
Under women empowerment plan, 1,600 lady cops recruited: IGP
All possible relief being provided to police personnel
IG Punjab provides house to family of another martyr
Commissioner Sukkur distributes gifts, flowers among thalassemia patients
Pakistan eyes green energy, technology cooperation with China in CPEC 2nd phase
LG & CD deptt organizes awareness walk under "Suthra Punjab" programme
London, Frankfurt stocks hit record highs on rate-cut hopes
Road infrastructure in Suhbatpur on modern lines top priority: Saleem Khosa
Rally held to express solidarity with Pakistan Army in Barkhan
DG Rangers commends martyrs for sustaining peace
More Stories From World
-
Pakistan eyes green energy, technology cooperation with China in CPEC 2nd phase
3 minutes ago -
Charities warns Italy's ban on NGO planes risks lives
3 minutes ago -
Israel hits Rafah despite US warning on arms transfers
3 minutes ago -
Boeing plane leaves runway in Senegal injuring 11
3 minutes ago -
Israel says Biden threat to stop arms 'very disappointing'
3 minutes ago -
Marquez eyes French MotoGP victory but plays down title talk
2 hours ago
-
Football: French Ligue 1 table
2 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 table
3 hours ago -
Spanish court shelves Shakira tax fraud case
3 hours ago -
North Africa football fans use stadium freedoms to back Palestinians
4 hours ago -
Rafah struck after Biden warning on arms transfers
4 hours ago -
In Catalonia, a high stakes vote for Spain PM, Puigdemont
4 hours ago