Greece issues high alert following threats over migrant influx by Turkish President Erdogan

Athens/Ankara: – The Greek defence forces have been placed on high alert following the threat issued by Turkish President Recep Erdogan over the immigrants’ issue. President Erdogan had threatened that Greece would face a lot of hardship if Turkey opened its borders for immigrants. While expressing displeasure over the cooperation developing between Greece and the United States, the Turkish President had retorted that the United States made a wrong choice.

Moreover, over the last year, tension seems to have worsened between Greece and Turkey. The adamant stand adopted by Turkey on the issues like immigrant intrusions, claims of ownership on marine regions and oil deposits is the main reason for the festering tension. Along with the Turkish President and the frontline leaders, even the Turkish media are consistently threatening Greece. The increasing cooperation between Greece and the United States, France and other countries has made Turkey restless. Besides, the intensity of the threats also is increasing.

Last month, the Turkish Defence Minister had warned Greece over the cooperation with France. Now Turkey has threatened Greece based on action against immigrants. Erdogan threatened ‘If Turkey opens its borders completely for immigrants, Greece will face dire consequences. Please remember that there are nearly 5 million immigrants in Turkey. The Greek leadership has an ungrateful stance in the matter.’

At this time, he also expressed displeasure over the cooperation between Greece and the United States. Erdogan retorted that the United States chose the wrong neighbour in the region. As of now, entire Greece has become a base for the United States. Greece has taken serious cognisance of the Turkish President’s statements over the immigrant and the US cooperation issues. Following the statements of the Turkish President, the Greek defence forces called for an emergency meeting placing all the forces on high alert. Instructions have been issued that any unexpected development on the border with Turkey should be immediately reported. At the same time, the military sources informed that orders to increase land and marine surveillance have also been issued.

Turkey had deployed its warships near the Greek marine region following the dispute over the oil deposits. After this, Greece has also paid attention to its defence preparedness and signed important agreements with the United States, France, and Israel.