Newly-named Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Panagiotopoulos gave a press conference on Thursday in which he commented on the actions that Turkey has taken recently in the broader region.
”Greece is closely monitoring Turkey’s illegal actions and the country is highlighting the issue at all international fora – including NATO, the European Union and the United States – where it is understood that Turkey is a conduit that promotes regional tension,” Panagiotopoulos said. The defense minister then added: “We are concerned, but not afraid!”
The Greek Minister, while responding to questions about a Turkish announcement concerning the prospect of drilling for hydrocarbons south of the Greek island of Kastellorizo, noted that “there will be admonishment at a higher level than Greece, that will avert such a possibility.”
On confidence-building measures between Greece and Turkey, Panagiotopoulos stressed that these are not a mechanism that will totally restore peace and harmony in relations with Turkey but “an open communication channel that should stay open in case the tension escalates.”
At the same time, he added, “depending on Turkey’s behavior, we will see, from now on, how active this channel of communications will be.”
Panagiotopoulos made the statements at a press conference marking the Greek Armed Forces’ social contributions during the first half of 2019.
This year was declared as ”Year of Social Contribution” for Greece’s armed forces.
With information from AMNA
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
