Greek Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos confirmed that the country will go ahead with the treaty to protect Macedonian airspace, despite what he said are the negative effects of the Prespa treaty, which the new conservative Government opposes.

Panagiotopoulos defended the proposal by saying that if Greece doesn’t “fill in the air space of Skopje”, other countries, such as its rival Turkey or Bulgaria may do so.

I believe that this is in the interest of our country because it is possible that if this doesn’t happen, the opportunity will arise for other countries. Turkey has expressed interest, maybe Bulgaria which has interest but doesn’t have the necessary resources. So at the moment it is imperative that we sign an air policing treaty with Skopje, as it is in our national interest, Panagiotopoulos said.