Greek army raises the state of alert to the highest level due to Turkish military exercises
Greek army has raised the state of alert in its forces to the highest level, in anticipation of military exercises that Turkey is planning to hold between the islands of Rhodes and Kastellorizo in the eastern Mediterranean, according to media reports.
Greek army leadership canceled permits for soldiers in almost all units and summoned officers to the places of service.
The site stated that the mobilization of the Turkish naval forces necessitated a similar step by the Greek army, and that preparations have continued in Greece since Saturday.
The site indicated that mobilization is taking place at a rapid pace, especially in sensitive areas, including the Greek province of Evros, close to the land border with Turkey.
It is expected that the Turkish exercises, which include shooting with live bullets, will start on Monday, and the Turkish exercises came in response to Greece’s recent conclusion of the agreement on demarcating the maritime border with Egypt.
This is the second time in weeks that the Greek army announces a general mobilization in its forces.
This comes while European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said on Sunday that the Turkish naval movements in the Mediterranean after the signing of the maritime agreement between Egypt and Greece “cause great concern.”
Borrell said in a statement that “the recent maritime mobilization in the eastern Mediterranean is of great concern,” adding that “it will lead to an increase in discord and distrust.”
This comes while European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said on Sunday that the Turkish naval movements in the Mediterranean after the signing of the maritime agreement between Egypt and Greece “cause great concern.”
He stressed that “disputes must be resolved according to international law,” stressing that “the European Union is committed to contributing to resolving disputes and disparities in this region of vital security importance.”
He concluded, “The current course will not serve the interests of the European Union or Turkey, and we must work together for the sake of Mediterranean security.”
On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the resumption of hydrocarbon exploration in the disputed region of the Eastern Mediterranean, a day after the signing of a maritime agreement between Athens and Cairo that Ankara had denounced.
