Turkey rejects Athens’ statement on two Greek soldiers

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Turkey on April 2 criticized a Greek Prime Ministry statement regarding two of the latter’s soldiers that are currently detained in Turkey.

The two Greek soldiers are held in custody for illegally crossing the border into Turkey.

In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the rhetoric in the press statement issued on April 1 demonstrates that the Greek authorities have started to increasingly lower the level of discourse against Ankara.

“These remarks, which are not in line with governmental responsibility, cause great concern,” the statement said.

The statement said Athens brought the principle of rule of law to the fore when it suited its interests.

“However, when it does not, Greece has no qualms about totally disregarding this principle by not even implementing the international courts’ verdicts. Recent history reveals this,” the statement added.

On April 2, the Greek Prime Ministry criticized Turkey for detaining the two Greek soldiers.

The office of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on April 2 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan “has to give explanations on the reason why Turkey is still keeping in custody two Greek military officers who have done nothing more than crossing into Turkish soil by a few meters while they were searching for illegal crossings.”