Just a little trick! Turks celebrate Greek EU Presidency (Update2)

(BRUSSELS2) Twelve Turkish warplanes violated Greek airspace on Thursday (January 9), just as Greece began its presidency of the European Union.

The planes were flying in two formations. One of 10 planes, the other of 2 planes. 6 of them were armed according to the news agency Ana. They did not submit flight plans to the Athens Flight Information Area (FIR). Greek planes were alerted, "intercepted" the planes and identified them, says the Greek General Staff.

In addition to this overflight, a Turkish Cougar AS-532 helicopter (upgraded version of the Puma) also violated the airspace - entering the Athens area, without submitting a flight plan, at 14:35 p.m., flying over the northeastern end from Samos at an altitude of 10.000 feet (about 3000 m.). NB: The island of Samos, located at the eastern end of the country, is actually not far from the Turkish coast.

The day before, on January 8, another formation of 6 combat aircraft and 1 Casa CN-235, violated Greek airspace, above the Aegean Sea (north, center and south), according to the State- Major. This type of action is not extraordinary. The General Staff has moreover website specially reserved for airspace violations. And just take a look at the months of January ou December to realize that Turkish overflights of Greek territory are rather common, even routine.

Comments : The situation in Turkey, as in Greece, however, not being entirely conducive to appeasement, it is highly likely that these incidents, which are generally not serious, will be repeated regularly over the coming months. Governments, in power in Athens like Ankara, may have an interest in flattering the national ego. We are, however, expecting a reaction from both the EU and NATO. We remember in particular the Turkish attitude which had boycotted the Cypriot presidency of the EU. Read : Turkey confirms its boycott of the Cypriot presidency