FM sources deny connection between Turkish exercise in the Aegean and PM Tsipras' visit to Ankara
Greek media "attempts to link" Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' visit to Turkey with the Turkish exercise NAVTEX 1056/15 are "totally wrong," Foreign Ministry sources said.
The same sources clarify that the specific Turkish rescue and search exercise "was scheduled a long time ago, long before Tsipras' visit to Turkey on 18 and 19 November was decided" adding that "the Turkish exercise will be held in international waters and airspace, southwest of the island of Kastellorizo. Two NATO vessels among them a German frigate will also participate in the exercise. A relevant NOTAM of approval has been issued by the Greek airforce while a Greek officer participates in the German frigate's force and the Hellenic General Staff considers the issue under control.
