Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan warned Greece of a possible strike at any moment.
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“Athens is aware of Turkey’s determination (on the issue of countering provocations – Anadolu) and therefore no longer takes steps aimed at escalating the situation in the region,” the Turkish leader said.
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According to him, Turkey “raised the topic of Greek provocations at the NATO level.”
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“I think that Athens will now analyze future steps in relations with Turkey. Otherwise, as I said earlier, a blow could be struck at any moment,” Erdogan said.
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NATO allies Greece and Turkey have repeatedly found themselves on the brink of armed conflict due to territorial disputes. A new round of tension began on August 23, when, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, Greece deployed Russian-made S-300 air defense systems to target Turkish F-16s during a NATO mission. Greece denies this.
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In recent days, the rhetoric between the two countries has sharply escalated. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Greece is threatening Turkey with S-300 air defense systems and will pay a “heavy price” if it “goes further.” Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that Ankara expects objectivity from NATO in connection with the use by Greece of the S-300 in the pursuit of Turkish aircraft. According to him, Greece ignores international law, good neighborly relations and friendship.