Tensions between Greece and Turkey have been high following a Greek high court decision that blocked extradition of eight Turkish military servicemen who were indicted in Turkey for taking part in last year’s coup attempt. That decision was followed by Turkish leadership suggesting that the country might annul a migrant readmission protocol agreement by Turkey and the EU.
Military action in the Aegean also saw upticks following the Greek court’s ruling, with Turkey pushing the issue of “grey zones” in the Aegean and violating airspace and the Athens FIR.
Tsipras criticized the Turkish government’s offer of dialogue in the wake of these incidents, which he believes should be relegated to an international arbitration body.
“I would like to send a clear message: This path leads nowhere,” he said. “Greece is determined to defend its sovereign rights within the framework of International and European law, which is being violated by the other side. Let us not forget that Greek borders are European borders.”
Tsipras also criticized the IMF, which has strictly maintained its call for radical economic reform in Greece.