Sources at the Greek defense ministry on Wednesday evening denied press reports out of Turkey claiming that Turkish warplanes were closely monitoring two Turkish coast guard vessels in Greek territorial waters. The media report, circulated on the website of the mass Turkish daily “Hurriyet”, implied that the Turkish vessels were attempting to flee to Greek territory.
However, the sources in Athens said there were no reports of Turkish planes entering Greek airspace during the day.
The same sources, as quoted by the state-run news agency, said activity was normal in the eastern Aegean, with only a heightened sense of attention paid to developments in the neighboring country.
The Greek side added that Turkish vessels were seen as carrying out their normal duties, with reports of would-be desertions untrue.
“Hurriyet” claimed the two Turkish patrol boats were sailing near the isle of Symi.