Greek gov't appeals committee ruling to grant asylum to Turkish soldier

ATHENS, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Greek government announced on Saturday that it filed an appeal against a ruling issued by an independent administrative committee to grant asylum to one of the eight Turkish servicemen who had fled to Greece after the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016.

According to a short emailed press statement released by the Greek Prime Minister's office, the government filed the request "retaining its stance on the case of the eight Turkish military officers."

From the summer of 2016, the Greek government has repeatedly stated that it does not provide shelter to people who undermine the democratic elected governments of other countries, but fully respects the verdicts of the independent Greek judicial system.

Earlier on Saturday, Greek national news agency AMNA reported that an independent asylum service committee approved the asylum bid of the co-pilot of the Turkish military helicopter which landed in northern Greece a day after the failed coup in July 2016.

According to the ruling, it has not been proved that the man, who has been accused of political crimes in Turkey, had participated in the coup. All officers have denied any involvement in the failed attempt.

In response to the committee's decision, the Turkish Foreign Ministry warned in a statement on Saturday that the ruling would have a negative impact on bilateral ties.

Ankara has requested the extradition of the eight men to be brought before justice in Turkey as traitors.

Following a judicial marathon, Greece's Supreme Court rejected in January 2017 the request for extradition, citing concerns for violations of human rights in Turkey.

All servicemen remain in custody until rulings are issued on their asylum applications.

They insist that they fled out of fear for their lives when they came under attack amid the chaos of the first hours after the coup attempt. Enditem