Kal Korff

Israel, Greece Sign Defence Pact

by Kal K. Korff
Internationally Syndicated Copyright 2011 by Kal K. Korff - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Greeces National Defence Minister, Panos Beglitis, met with his Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem, Ehud Barak, to conclude the details of a mutual defence pact and increased cooperation. Israel and Greece have increased their exchanges in both trade and defence technologies during the past few years. The agreement was signed during his three day visit from 5-7 of September amidst growing fears that Turkey is stepping up hostilities. Turkeys Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to send their navy to escort ships headed for Gaza. In an official statement released by his office on September 12th, Erdogan said, If Turkish warships encounter an Israeli military ship outside Israels 12-mile territorial waters, they will advance up to 100 meters from the ship and disable its weapon system. Greece has also voiced diplomatic concerns regarding recent overflights by Turkish fighter and surveillance aircraft, violating the airspace over Cyprus. Turkey has said the flights are for oil exploration purposes, denying any ulterior motives. The Turkish flights were first detected by Israeli Army helicopters supplied to Greeces National Guard, which are stationed at Larnaca Airport. Greece and Israel have been conducting joint military exercises. Israeli-Turkey relations have soured during the past several months, spiralling further downward ever since the UN released its Palmer report on the conflict which occurred between a Turkish-supplied humanitarian aid ship headed for Gaza and Israeli commandos on May 31, 2010.

In its report, the UN concluded that while Israel used excessive force, it upheld the Jewish states right to defend its territory. Turkey refused to accept the UN verdict, and ordered Israels ambassador to either apologize or leave the country. Israel refused to do so, saying in an official statement issued from Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahus office, Israel once again expresses its regret over the loss of life, but will not apologize for its soldiers taking action to defend their lives. As any other state, Israel has the right to defend its civilians and soldiers. Turkey promptly expelled Israels Ambassador, Gabby Levy, and also suspended their military cooperation.The UN investigation found that Turkey, acted recklessly in attempting to breach the naval blockade. The report also noted that, there exist serious questions about the conduct, true nature and objectives of the flotilla organizers. Israel has long maintained that members of the peace flotilla were radical Islamists and terrorists. Numerous weapons were found being smuggled on the ship and were confiscated by Israeli commandos. 1.0v1 Sep 17, 2011 Kal K. Korff is an internationally known author, columnist and investigative journalist.

Copyright 2011 by Kal K. Korff - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this content may be reproduced in any form nor by any means without the express, written consent of Kal Korff. Fair use, does NOT apply. By reading this document, you willingly agree to be legally bound by its terms and conditions. Violators of this policy will have a felony DMCA Copyright infringement notice filed against them with law enforcement. First time offenders may be fined up to $500,000, imprisoned for five years, or both. For repeat offenders, the maximum penalty increases to a fine of $1,000,000, imprisonment for up to ten years, or both. This is a DMCA protected document, illegal copying and/or reproduction of its contents are tracked on the Internet and reported to law enforcement for felony prosecution.

Copyright 2011 by Kal K. Korff - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this content may be reproduced in any form nor by any means without the express, written consent of Kal Korff. Fair use, does NOT apply. By reading this document, you willingly agree to be legally bound by its terms and conditions. Violators of this policy will have a felony DMCA Copyright infringement notice filed against them with law enforcement. First time offenders may be fined up to $500,000, imprisoned for five years, or both. For repeat offenders, the maximum penalty increases to a fine of $1,000,000, imprisonment for up to ten years, or both. This is a DMCA protected document, illegal copying and/or reproduction of its contents are tracked on the Internet and reported to law enforcement for felony prosecution.