Greece praises recent Turkish steps on the Aegean

Though Turkey's recent approach on the Aegean Sea is positive, it's too early to say that a breakthrough is close on Aegean disputes in ongoing bilateral closed-door exploratory talks, according to Greek Defense Minister Panos Beglitis. "The summer period started with positive actions by Turkey," Beglitis was quoted as saying by the Anatolia News Agency. The two countries have "completely stopped their naval activities in regions that create problems between them in the Aegean Sea; there is a steep decline in violations; and there are no flights over populated islands." He added, "Additionally, ships of the Turkish navy that sail off to Libya are following a route that respects international law, and Greece's interests have not been violated, nor have national sentiments been provoked."