Turks say they blocked Greek defense minister from Imia for solemn ceremony

Mr Kammenos visited the region accompanied by Chief of Staff of the Hellenic Navy, Admiral Nikolaos Tsounis on board gunboat "Nikiphoros" performed a brief wreath throwing ceremony in memory of fallen Hellenic Navy Officers Panayiotis Vlachakos, Christodoulos Karathanassis and Ektoras Yalopsos who died on the night of the Imia showdown with Turkey in 1996.

As Turkish media outlet Hurriyet reported: "Coastguard officers warned off Panos Kammenos, who was heading to the Kardak (Imia) islets in a gunboat to lay a wreath there. Following the warning, the Greek boat left Turkey's territorial waters without further incident, the ministry added."

In a statement, Turkish Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu said the coast guard units "did what was necessary."

The Turkish General Staff also said in a written statement that the Greek naval vessel Nikiforos and a Greek Coast Guard boat had been moving towards the islets at 11.30 am. local time.

Their approach was blocked by Turkish Naval Forces and Coast Guard units said the military.

It added that the Turkish Armed Forces continue to decisively protect national rights and interests stemming from international law and agreements. "The two Turkish ships, a coastguard and an anti-submarine boat, were much closer to Imia than the Nikiforos gunboat. In addition, Turkish helicopters were flying over the area.

The Greek Defense Ministry issued a bulletin stating that the Minister had performed a wreath-throwing ceremony in the area of ​​Imia in honor of the three Greek servicemen.

"We are here today to offer honors to the heroes of our Navy who fell for faith and hearth in 1996 in Imia. Panagiotis Vlahakos, Christodoulos Karathanassis and Ektoras Yalopsos will remain in the pantheon of heroes, "said Mr Kammenos in the statement released by the Ministry.