Greece sent a firm message to Turkey following the issuance of new, “indefinite” NAVTEX notices, as Ankara described them, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said in a radio interview with ALPHA.
“These have no meaning, and Greece will not accept unilateral commitments,” Dendias stressed. He also reflected on the 30th anniversary of the Imia crisis and recent political developments in Greece, delivering comments that were subtly critical of the government.
“This move is completely out of line and does not help relations with Greece,” Dendias said, emphasizing that the country will not tolerate unilateral actions that challenge its sovereign rights. He described Turkey’s demands for “coordination” in areas east of the 25th meridian as unacceptable.
“It is clear that Greece cannot take such an approach seriously, and Turkey knows this well,” he added, noting that Athens “will not allow Ankara to act as if it can impose itself in practice. We have never seen anything like this before, and it is entirely outside the established framework.”
While he refrained from commenting on the upcoming meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and the Turkish President—likely to take place in February—Dendias described his recent meeting with the French Defense Minister as positive. He indicated that Greece’s defense agreement with France would be reviewed, with the possibility of a new, expanded agreement being signed in the spring.
Reflecting on the 1996 Imia crisis, in which three Greek naval officers lost their lives, Dendias spoke with measured sharpness: “Dozens, if not hundreds, of mistakes were made that cost three lives.” He noted that the Armed Forces have learned important lessons but pointed out that the crisis originated in actions by private individuals as well as military and governmental decisions.
“We must be careful with displays of patriotism,” he added, implying that political leadership did not always respond appropriately.
On the domestic political scene, Dendias described the landscape as chaotic, criticizing both the government and the opposition for their mistakes. He emphasized that it is difficult to speak convincingly about issues that have not been addressed without offering credible explanations for past failures or delays, noting that society judges such shortcomings rightly.
He reiterated that securing a parliamentary majority remains a key objective and called on the government to present a clear, visionary message that promotes unity and consistency.
