



The Greek government denied a rift with Moscow over refusing to allow Russian air-crafts to fly over Greek airspace. The air-crafts were scheduled to transport humanitarian aid to Syria, but did not, after an alleged U.S. intervention.

“No displeasure or any other negative comment has been expressed from anyone,” foreign ministry spokesman Constantinos Koutras told AFP news agency.

Moscow on Tuesday said it had demanded answers from Greece and Bulgaria after the two NATO member countries refused the use of their airspace by Russia.

Greece said it had received a request from Washington to prevent two state civil aviation Russian planes flying through its airspace between September 1 and 24.

A Greek government spokesperson told AFP that Russia had first requested use of its airspace “25 days ago” but had later decided to use an alternative route to Syria.

Asked if the Greek government would refuse permission for similar Russian overflights in the future, the spokesperson said the situation was “delicate” but Russia would likely avoid using the route.

Washington has expressed concern after reports that Moscow may be boosting military support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and had sent a military advance team to the war-torn country.

Vice-president of the Russian foreign affairs council Vladimir Djabarov told TASS news agency that the planes would be carrying humanitarian aid only and that the majority of aid flights to Syria go via Caucasus and Iran.



