Turkey terms Greece-France pact as 'purely defensive'; says overruns NATO interests

In a key development, Greece on October 1, said that its defence pact with France is t directed against or nations. As per Sputnik report, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said on Friday said that Turkey’s criticism of Greek-French defence deal is “completely unacceptable.” Ankara’s remarks came after on Tuesday, France and Greece signed a significant defence deal under which Ans will buy three French navy frigates. agreement also includes commitment of both nations for mutual assistance in case of an armed attack on eir. territories that lie under Greek maritime jurisdiction are also included.

However, Greek-French defence pact drew severe backlash from Turkey which has accused Greece of overrunning t only international law but also NATO interests. Turkey also slammed  deal between Ans and Paris saying it is aimed at alienating and isolating m. Amid tensions, Nikos Dendias lambasted Turkey saying that “If Turkey is bored by se agreements, it can only mean that it sees itself as a potential aggressor.” 

After meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, Greek Foreign Minister also stressed that deal with Paris was “purely defensive” and “t directed against anyone,” as quoted in  Kathimerini newspaper report. Dendias even ted that Greece signed a similar agreement with United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2020 and termed Ankara’s claims “completely unacceptable.”

Turkey’s slams Greece over deal with France

Meanwhile, in a statement on October 1, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanju Bilgic slammed Greece saying that Ans’ maximalist maritime jurisdiction area and national air claims are in contravention of international law. He added, "It is a vain dream for Greece to think that y can impose upon Turkey se claims, which are also questioned by international community, by forming bilateral military alliances against Turkey, undermining NATO Alliance itself.”

Turkish official also added that Greece is seeking a “problematic policy” of armament, isolation and alienation of Ankara. spokesperson added that instead of cooperation, such a policy of Ans’ “will threaten regional peace and stability.”

Turkey-Greece tensions are rooted in summer of 2020 when Ankara carried out seismic studies in Eastern Mediterranean which Ans considers to be its exclusive ecomic zone. At time, Greek armed forces were placed on high alert and Dendias said that two nations were on brink of armed conflict three times in summer of last year, as per Sputnik. Even general mobilisation of Greek armed forces was carried out. 

IM: AP