Greece initiates moves to extend borders near Crete Island over Turkey's aggressive statements

Athens/Istanbul: – In the face of continuous threats from Turkish President Recep Erdogan and other leaders, Greece has started moves to expand its borders further. Greek media reported that a proposal to extend the boundary near Crete Island in the Mediterranean Sea to 12 nautical miles was being made. There has been tremendous tension between Greece and Turkey over the islands and oil fields in the Aegean and Mediterranean. Simultaneously, if Greece decides to increase the limit, there is a possibility of a strong reaction from Turkey to it.

Moreover, tensions between Turkey and Greece over rights to islands and oil fields in the Aegean Sea have been festering greatly for the past few years. Turkey had sent vessels to explore and mine oil fields within the Greek territory in the Aegean Sea. Thenceforth, destroyers had also been sent to demonstrate their defence capabilities. Besides, the Turkish regime aggressively demanded that Greece withdraw its army from the Greek islands close to Turkey and give up its rights.

Greece had also initiated steps to increase its defence readiness in response to this Turkish aggression. At the same time, it has started strengthening defence cooperation with countries in the Gulf, Africa and Europe. Turkey has blown up more by this and has begun to threaten Greece openly. In this matter, the mediation by the European Union and NATO has remained temporary, and there has been no change in Turkish aggression.

However, Greece has also taken swift steps to respond to Turkish aggression. Greece has given a clear indication that it was ready to respond to Turkey in a befitting manner through increased cooperation with the United States, Europe and the Gulf countries and expanding the provision of funds for defence. This Greek preparation has agitated Turkey further, and President Erdogan and other leaders have consistently threatened Greece.

Turkish President Recep Erdogan issued a serious warning in October, ‘We may suddenly arrive one night.’ He hoped Greece and other countries understood Turkey’s message clearly. Followed by that two weeks ago, Erdogan had threatened that Turkish missiles could hit the Greek capital, Athens. After that, Turkey warned that NATO should properly monitor Greek activities, or Turkey would have to take steps.

Greek leaders have also initiated moves at the diplomatic level while aptly responding to Turkish leaders. Currently, most countries have been supporting Greece in the Greece-Turkey conflict. Keeping this positive aspect in mind, Greece has proposed to increase the limit near the Crete islands to 12 nautical miles to strengthen its side further. Furthermore, Greek media informed that this proposal would be approved and submitted to international agencies.

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