Greece says ready to use military means to defend its sovereignty against Turkey

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said his country’s borders are ready to be defended by its armed forces, as well as by its diplomatic allies, against Turkey’s plans to claim control over Greek territory.

In his address to the Greek parliament on Wednesday, Mitsotakis called on Turkey to return to a “realm of logic,” the Voice of America reported.

Otherwise, it will be stopped, he said.

Turkey has signed a series of preliminary economic agreements with Libya’s Tripoli government on Monday that included potential energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean, a move that immediately slammed by Greece and Egypt that both said they will oppose any activity in disputed areas. 

In 2019, Turkey and Tripoli-based GNA government (Government of National Accord) signed a maritime demarcation accord to establish an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Eastern Mediterranean. The accord that created a sea corridor between the two countries, cuts through a zone claimed by Greece and Egypt, whom are also collaborating on gas exploration in the region.

Mitsotakis said geography does not change at the behest of one’s decision to change or distort it, VOA reported.

He said Greece’s borders are its own and ready to defend them by its armed forces.

The tensions between Turkey and Greece that have long been at odds over a string of issues, have build up lately over territorial claims and the status of the Aegean islands. 

Last month, Turkey’s National Security Council (MGK) accused Athens for not giving up “illegal practices” and increasing “provocative actions” against Ankara and said Turkey “will not refrain from using all kinds of legitimate methods and means” against Greek efforts. 

In response, Athens said it will defend its legitimate interests and rights against Turkey, should the need arise.