Greece denies reports of ‘demilitarization of islands’

Greece categorically denied on Wednesday Turkish media reports about the “demilitarization” of a number of Greek islands. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis called the reports “fake news.”

“We declare once again: there are absolutely no changes in the strategy of distribution of forces and defensive defense of the country,” Marinakis emphasized. – Greece has become stronger diplomatically, geostrategically and defensively in recent years, and we remain committed to this direction.”

Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak states in an article on Tuesday: “A surprise move from Athens: the militarization of the islands has stopped.”

The Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak talks about a “surprise step” by Greece, which will “demilitarize the islands.” According to a pro-government publication, Greece has begun demilitarization of the islands. “A positive step was taken by Greece, which signaled the normalization of relations with Turkey. The government of Athens stopped the development of islands, islets and rocks, the sovereignty of which is not determined by treaties, which was one of the main problems in relations between the two countries.” Sources note that as negotiations gain momentum, further positive developments will occur.

The process of normalization of relations between Turkey and Greece is developing positively. Moves toward normalization between the two countries, which began after the February disasters, were bolstered by a meeting between President Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in September at the United Nations. Before the leaders’ summit in December, positive developments are expected on the islands issue, which is one of the most serious issues in relations between the two countries.

The Turkish newspaper further claims that “Greece has decided to strengthen its air force in recent months, ordering Rafale jets from France and stationing them on Lemnos, a few hours’ drive from Turkey. Likewise, there are hundreds of Greek soldiers on the island of Samos, closest to Turkey.” located on 4 bases.In addition, systems belonging to the Greek armed forces are located on the islands of Megistis, Chios, Patmos, Psara, Arkios, Agathonisi, Farmakonisi, Kalolymnos, Pserimos, Symi, Strogili Megistis and Rho, which are also very close to Turkey. “

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