On Saturday January 31st, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis issued a commemorative message marking 30 years since the Imia incident, a tense episode in Greek-Turkish relations that claimed the lives of three Greek military officers.

In a post shared on social media, Mitsotakis paid tribute to the servicemen who died during the 1996 crisis near the small Aegean islets known internationally as Imia. He described their sacrifice as enduring in Greece’s collective memory and emphasized that remembrance remains a national duty decades later.

Emphasis on vigilance and defense

The prime minister underlined that the Imia experience serves as a lasting lesson on the need for constant national alertness. He linked the commemoration to Greece’s broader priorities, including strengthening its defense capabilities, reinforcing strategic alliances and maintaining social unity through economic progress.

According to Mitsotakis, honoring the fallen also means supporting those currently serving in uniform, whom he described as embodying Greece’s resolve to uphold both its values and its strength.

Message on sovereignty

In his statement, the prime minister reiterated Greece’s position that there are no “grey zones” in the Aegean Sea, stressing that national sovereignty and rights are non-negotiable. He noted that Greece responds calmly but decisively to tensions and provocative actions, choosing the manner and level of response when necessary.

Remembering the Imia incident

The Imia crisis in 1996 brought Greece and Turkey close to armed conflict over sovereignty claims in the Aegean. Three Greek officers lost their lives during a military operation at the height of the standoff. The anniversary is marked annually in Greece as a moment of remembrance and reflection.

Concluding his message, Mitsotakis stated that the memory of Imia reinforces the importance of daily vigilance, honoring the fallen while reaffirming Greece’s determination to protect its national interests with clarity and confidence.