ATHENS - The Greek foreign ministry Thursday said "severe" punishment would be taken against those responsible for vandalizing a Turkish flag at a Greek military school in Athens, while also calling it an "isolated incident."
"We condemn these regrettable actions. Immediate measures are being taken and an inquiry is under way. There will be severe punishment for all responsible," said George Koumoutsakos, the ministry's spokesman.
He did not comment about the Turkish army chief's demand on Tuesday for an official apology.
A group of Turkish officers visiting an Athens military academy last week as part of confidence-building steps between the two countries found a vandalized Turkish flag, inscribed with hostile slogans, in their room.
The incident coincided with a visit to Ankara by Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, during which the two sides announced further steps to bring their armies closer.
Although they are currently enjoying unusual warmth in their ties, NATO allies Turkey and Greece remain at loggerheads over territorial rights in the Aegean Sea and frequently trade accusations of violations and harassment.
Calling the vandalism of the Turkish flag "an isolated incident," the Greek ministry spokesman said that Greece is firmly behind the efforts to mend Greek-Turkish relations, "which is a strategic choice tied to the need for stability, peace and cooperation between countries in the region," especially in light of Turkey's desire to open talks on joining the European Union, Koumoutsakos said.
04/21/2005 18:42 GMT