Defence Redefined

Published on 24/07/2020 at 16:00

There is no case of a hot episode with Turkey, while the situation is de-escalating, said the National Security Advisor of the Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Diakopoulos, in an interview with SKAI.

Nevertheless, Mr. Diakopoulos stressed that Greece remains on alert and that Greek forces will remain present as long as the Turkish NAVTEX is in force and there is a fleet in the Aegean.

Also read: Turkish NAVTEX | The Greek Forces are on full alert

“As long as the Turkish NAVTEX is in force and the ships have not returned to the shores, we are on alert,” noted Mr. Diakopoulos, adding that “the situation is heading towards its de-escalation and there is no evidence that it is going to escalate. As long as there is a fleet in the Aegean, we will be present.”

“It’s a combination of pressure and our own determination. Germany made the most dynamic intervention. It was our own actions, however, that eliminated any pretext from saying that Turkey’s provoking was not its sole responsibility,” said the Greek Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor regarding the factors that contributed to the de-escalation of the situation.

At the same time, he noted that the recent tripartite meeting held in Berlin was a “rescue” since, as he said, it eliminated any pretext on the part of Turkey.

Also read: With joint NAVTEX Greece and Cyprus answer in Turkey

Asked if there will be a hot episode, Mr. Diakopoulos noted: “Since 2019 I have been saying that there will be no hot episode. It is not easy to bully in Greece.”

He stressed, however, that dialogue and finding a way for Turkey to coexist smoothly are necessary steps. “A look at the map will show that Turkey is a neighbor with whom we must find a modus vivendi. Of course, we will talk at some point. We have set the terms and said we are not talking under pressure and coercion. Turkey wants to lead us to an incident and talk under pressure,” he said.

Source (in Greek): CNA