File photo. [Shutterstock]
Deputy Minister of National Defense Giannis Kefalogiannis addressed the recent incident involving a Turkish corvette, which allegedly harassed two research vessels commissioned by Greece on Sudnay, north of Crete.
The research vessels were surveying the area as part of the Greece-Cyprus interconnector project. The Turkish ship allegedly approached within 10 nautical miles and sent a message claiming that the vessels were operating outside Greek jurisdiction.
Kefalogiannis stated that the Turkish ship did not interfere with the operations of the Greek research vessels, while a Greek frigate was immediately deployed to the area.
Although the Turkish corvette remained in international waters, outside Greek territorial waters, its proximity to the Greek ships raised concerns.
“In our view, it was operating within [Greece’s] Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf. As a result, the presence of the Hellenic Navy reinforced the activity of the two research vessels. There was no interference with their operations,” he added.
Regarding whether Turkey’s actions could be considered aggressive, Kefalogiannis acknowledged that such incidents do not contribute to fostering improved relations between the two countries.
“If we are to maintain a stable and calm climate, actions like these do not contribute to that goal,” he said, adding that Greece will always respond to actions on the ground.