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Greek PM expresses support for democracy, constitutional legality in Turkey

Xinhua, July 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday night, expressing support for democracy and constitutional legality, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

In the call initiated by Erdogan, the Turkish leader thanked the Greek government for its stance on Friday's failed military coup attempt in Turkey, according to AMNA.

Tsipras underlined that commitment to the values of democracy and constitutional legality is a matter of principle for the Greek people.

Regarding the eight Turkish military officers who landed a Turkish military helicopter in Alexandroupolis in northern Greece on Saturday, the Greek premier said that the procedures to examine their political asylum request will be brief, the report said.

Tsipras added that the Greek side will fully respect all provisions of the international law and conventions on the protection of human rights.

Eight Turkish officers landed a Black Hawk helicopter in Greece, asking permission for emergency landing on Saturday noon.

They have been detained at the local police precinct and were expected to be led before a local prosecutor on Sunday and court on Monday on charges of illegal entry into Greece and attempt to harm international relations, according to AMNA.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglou called them "traitors" and has requested their extradition during phone contacts with his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias on Saturday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, Greek officials said that they agreed with local law experts who told local media that if the officers were indeed involved in the coup attempt, it would be unlikely to accept their asylum claims.

Law experts and officials estimate that the entire procedure will last two weeks.

Regarding the Black Hawk helicopter, Greece is cooperating with Turkey for its swift return.

On Saturday night, another Turkish military helicopter landed at Alexandroupolis airport with Turkish pilots aboard, Greece's defense ministry said, adding that all necessary checks were carried out on Sunday so that the helicopter will return to Turkey most likely by sunset. Endi