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The Turkish authorities last night at 20 ‘held the plane of the Greek government in the air over the Turkish-Iraqi border, north of Mosul, refusing to grant the overflight permit that they had approved a little earlier. The ship was boarded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, who was returning to Athens. According to ERT diplomatic journalist Nikos Meletis, this is an action that goes beyond any notion of good neighborliness and violates the rules of diplomatic conduct.
In particular, the ship “Nefeli” had sailed from Iraq after the completion of Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias’s visit to the region. Turkish authorities were notified of the VIP flight and gave their approval, which they withdrew as it approached the border. Intense diplomatic communication began and the aircraft was forced to lower its altitude and circle until the problem was resolved, while doubts arose as to whether there was a risk of fuel shortage. After intensive communication, the Turkish authorities gave permission and the aircraft arrived at Elefsina military airport with a significant delay.
As Nikos Meletis points out, this is a completely off-limits movement and the framework of a good neighborhood that shows a hostile mood and creates obstacles in a communication channel that should exist between the two countries, while also raising problems of security as it was a very inhospitable area. without even airports that could be used in case of need.
The provocative maneuver, similar to the one relayed by N. Meletis, has not been recorded again in his experience – since even in the case of war zones, the permission for VIP flights of government officials is granted without hindrance – shows the Turkish annoyance over the visit of the Greek minister. Foreign affairs in Iraq.
This was reflected in the diplomatic and the extraordinary invitation of the Iraqi Shiite Prime Minister in Ankara by the Turkish ambassador in Baghdad, shortly before Mr. Dendias’ visit.
The Greek delegation is expected to raise the issue with the European Council, while a step is expected.
