Greek PM's helicopter harassed by Turkish fighters on National Independence Day
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
An unprecedented episode in the Aegean with repercussions for relations between Greece and Turkey, as Turkish aircraft harassed the helicopter in which Greek PM Alexis Tsipras was going while he was heading to Agathonisi to celebrate Greek Independence Day, 25 March.
The incredible incident was revealed by the Prime Minister himself on the island after the parade.
The Prime Minister's helicopter was forced into special low maneuvers until Greek fighters intercepted the Turkish fighter jets.
After the end of the parade in Agathonisi, in his message for March 25, Mr. Tsipras referred to the unprecedented incident.
"I had the honor of being "welcomed" to Agathonissi and some Turkish Air Force fighters on my arrival here. It seems, as a matter of the day, that they wanted to participate in our national celebration. They forced the helicopter in which I was in to some low maneuvers until the Greek fighters, as always, stopped the forces that violated our national airspace," the prime minister said.
And he continued, "In order to do what? To harass the Prime Minister's helicopter? They need to know that these silly actions have no meaning. They are wasting kerosene and gasoline, it's the message I'll send them. Firstly, because we will always be there to defend our national integrity. Secondly, because the Greek Prime Minister will find himself on the most isolated island of our country, in the most isolated and far corner, even if he needs to get there by swimming. "
And he concluded, "The message I want to send to those who are watching us is that we have our hands extended for dialogue and understanding. But if we need to, we will do what we know, which our collective consciousness has known for years. Our ancestors have taught us to defend our law and sovereignty. "
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