Turkey denies fighter jets harassed Greek helicopter with Defense Minister onboard

·

Turkey has rejected claims by Greece that two of its fighter jets harassed a helicopter carrying Greek Defense Minister, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, on Sunday.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hami Aksoy, said the planes were conducting ‘routine flights’ in the area.

“Our fighter aircraft have performed an identification mission as part of their routine activities in the Aegean and harassment of the helicopter with Minister of National Defense of Greece onboard is out of the question,” stressed Mr Aksoy in a statement.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hami Aksoy, denied Turkish fighter jets harassed Greece. Source: Sputnik.

“There is no benefit to this country in trying to escalate tensions by dramatising routine flights.

“Instead, these issues should be taken up within the process of confidence-building measures launched between the defense ministries of both countries.”

READ MORE: Turkish fighter jets harass Greek helicopter carrying Defense Minister.

The denial comes in the face of the Greek Foreign Ministry condemning Turkey for harassing a helicopter carrying Greek Defence Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, and Army Chief of Staff, General Konstantinos Floros, as it took off from the small island of Oinousses.

The Turkish fighter jet harassing a Greek helicopter. Source: Greek Foreign Ministry.

At the time, the Greek ministry called on Turkey to respect established rules instead of ‘systematically violating them.’

Relations between the two countries are strained over multiple issues including Ankara’s decision earlier this year to re-open its border with Greece for refugees trying to reach Europe.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Canterbury resident Peter Katholos pays to mow overgrown lawn amid government inaction

Homeowners in Canterbury-Bankstown are taking action against overgrown grass along public roads, as councils fail to address the issue.

Double-header delight: St George Saints march away with two straight wins

St George Saints Men's White were out for redemption in round 2 of the Basketball NSW Men's Waratah League.

Magnis Energy sells US battery factory as chairman Frank Poullas faces legal scrutiny

Magnis Energy, once a promising ASX-listed energy company, has sold its flagship American lithium-ion battery factory.

Sydney hairdresser Paris Coudounellis pleads guilty to AVO breach

A Phillip Bay hairdresser, Paris Coudounellis, pleaded guilty in Waverley Local Court on Monday to breaching an apprehended violence order.

Greece moves to ban surrogacy for same-sex couples with new legislation

Giorgos Floridis has announced a new legislative provision prohibiting homosexual men and single men from having children through surrogacy.

You May Also Like

Greek Prime Minister under fire for attending dinner in violation of coronavirus rules

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is facing mounting anger over claims he attended a dinner that exceeded the limits on gatherings .

Queensland Greeks march in Toowoomba Floral Parade for first time in over 30 years

The local Greek community of Toowoomba marched in the iconic Grand Central Floral Parade for the first time in over 30 years.

Community rallies together to support the Foundation for Hellenic Studies at UNSW

The Foundation for Hellenic Studies at UNSW held a fundraiser at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah, Sydney on Sunday, July 15.