Turkey refutes claims over obstructing NATO mission in Aegean

ANKARA

Turkish Foreign Ministry has refuted claims that the country obstructed NATO mission in the Aegean Sea, calling them "baseless and unfair."

"The allegations that Turkey obstructs NATO Mission in the Aegean Sea are baseless and unfair. As it is well known, the alleged violations in the Aegean airspace are caused by the problems related to the Aegean Sea. Turkey exerts sincere efforts and demonstrates its will for the comprehensive and lasting settlement of a number of interrelated problems in the Aegean. Our expectation is the finalization of the exploratory talks carried out towards this end as soon as possible and reaching a lasting solution," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanju Bilgiç told reporters on April 22, reminding that there had been considerable decline in illegal migrant activities in the Aegean sea due to the EU-Turkey migrant deal and the mission.

Bilgiç also called on parties to act in cooperation and coordination for ensuring the success of efforts on the issue.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on April 22 that Turkish demands were posing obstacles to NATO mission in the Aegean Sea.

"Unfortunately it's clear that the obstacles .. arise from Turkey's unilateral demands and positions. Demands and positions which unfortunately are also expressed through a rise in activities which violate our airspace," Tsipras said speaking after a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Athens.