Greek-Turkish confidence-building measures continue

High-level subject visits betwixt Greece and Turkey are proceeding arsenic usual under Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), contempt an expected emergence successful violations implicit the Aegean Sea.

From April 3 to April 9, Turkey is conducting its large naval and aerial exercise, “Blue Homeland” (Mavi Vatan), involving 120 ships, 50 aircraft, and 15,000 personnel.

According to Greece’s General Staff (GEETHA), connected April 7 alone, 15 violations of Greek National Airspace were recorded by Turkish naval practice craft CN-235, ATR-72, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Given the standard of the exercise, some violations were anticipated.

The workout is officially declared under CBMs by some Athens and Ankara and is not subject to the moratorium, arsenic it is scheduled to reason earlier Good Friday, a spiritual vacation successful Greece.

Meanwhile, Greek Fleet Commander Christos Sasiakos visited the Turkish Fleet office successful Golcuk connected March 31 and April 1, gathering his Turkish counterpart Kadir Yildiz. Such high-level contacts person ne'er ceased.

Notably, Greek Brigadier General Alexandros Koufopoulos, caput of Greek forces successful Kosovo, visited NATO KFOR office successful Pristina and was received by Turkish Brigadier General Ezkan Ulutas. Turkey commands NATO forces successful Kosovo and contributes the largest contingent there.

Behind the scenes, Ankara continues to protestation the deployment of Greek Patriot rocket systems connected Eastern Aegean islands and their use successful NATO operations protecting Bulgaria. NATO, however, avoids engaging successful discussions connected this issue.