Defense Minister Nikos Dendias delivered a sharp rebuke to Ankara from this eastern Aegean island, saying that Greece is fully prepared to defend its sovereign rights following "provocative" claims by the Turkish Defense Ministry. Speaking at the headquarters of the 79th National Guard Higher Command—a frontline outpost just miles from the Turkish coast—Mr. Dendias rejected accusations that Athens is fueling regional tension. "Our country threatens no one. Greece has not adopted revisionist rhetoric and has not issued threats against any of our neighbors," Mr. Dendias said. "But Greece is absolutely determined to defend its sovereignty…This is the constitutional duty of the Armed Forces." The minister’s comments served as a direct response to Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk, a spokesman for the Turkish Defense Ministry. In a briefing Thursday, Adm. Akturk blamed Athens for escalating tensions in the Aegean, claiming that alleged airspace violations stem from Greece’s "inconsistent" alignment of its territorial waters and national airspace. "The side escalating tensions… is not Turkey, but exclusive and unilateral actions," Adm. Akturk stated, warning that Ankara would not accept "faits accomplis." The diplomatic flare-up follows a trilateral summit held earlier this week in Jerusalem between the leaders of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, which drew sharp criticism from Ankara. While the NATO allies have sought to maintain "calm waters" in recent months, deep divisions over maritime boundaries and energy rights continue to test the fragile detente. Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr