Turks harass MoD's helicopter

According to information while the minister and the mission traveled from Rhodes to Megisti (Kastellorizo) twice within one minute, the controllers of the Turkish radar area sent (at 16:05 and 16: 06) warnings to the pilots of the Chinook helicopter that they are “flying within the Turkish FIR.” the warnings were, of course, ignored and the flight continued normally.

It is worth noting that these warnings of Turks air defense controllers are common to all aircraft flying in the area. The Hellenic Air Force for every eventuality had scrambled a couple of F-16 Block 52 + from 115 Combat Wing in Souda discretely shadowing the helicopter.

The Minister's visit

The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias completed late last night the one-day visit to the area of responsibility of the Dodecanese 95th National Guard Battalions Command(95 ADTE), with amessage addressed to Turkey from the strategically important in determining the Greek Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) island chain of Megisti (Kastellorizo) and a visit/pilgrimage to the tomb of the “Lady of Ro” Despina Achladioti on the islet of Ro.

The visit, began in Rhodes in the morning, where he attended the final phase of the Regular Exercise with Troop Participation 'Leonidas of Rhodes,” and ended with the visit to to the Defence Administration of Megisti Islefor a briefing relative to the unit's mission and work.

"I would like to say something to our neighbors: Greece is honored to have a relationship of peace and friendship with all peoples. But also absolutely determined to defend both its national sovereignty and national dignity. And you, here in Kastelorizo, you are living proof of this decision of the Motherland. Thank you very much for the great work you are carrying out and for which we thank you from our hearts,” stressed the Minister addressing the unit.

He also highlighted the very high morale of soldiers and local residents: "What we see is the extremely high morals and morale of the guards of our country in this extremely important area. It is certain that you all know how important the role of Kastellorizo is for our country and hence the importance of your role, as the guardians of this area for Greece.”

Subsequently, Mr. Dendias boarded the missile boat GRIGOROPOULOS that patrols the area around Megisti and spoke with crew members and met with Megisti Mayor Giorgos Sampsakos, representatives of local authorities and island residents. Afterwards, the Minister stated inter alia that: “... What I would like to say as a conclusion of this visit is that both the Defense Ministry and mostly the Greek state as a whole, will support these people. People who hold high the national spirit and the Greek flag on the edge of Greek territory.”

Finally, the visit of the MoD in the area of 95 ADTE, was completed complete through visits to the outposts Strongyle and Ro, and celebrated a memorial service in memory of Despina Achladioti, known as the “Lady of Ro,” immediately after which Mr. Dendias laid a wreath at her tomb.