Turkish media saying Greek soldiers to face espionage charges

Turkish media on Friday were reporting that two Greek soldiers who accidentally crossed the northeastern Evros border without authorization while on foot patrol will stand trial for treason and not just illegal entry into the country, as suggested by the Greek government spokesman in Athens.

“We are in consultation with Turkish authorities for a prompt resolution of the matter,” Greek government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos told reporters. “Legal processes in Turkey will be put in motion swiftly and we expect the return of the two Greeks to our country. It’s a formality and concerns a trial for illegal entry to the country which will be concluded and we expect their return to our country.”

The two-man patrol strayed into Turkish territory accidentally on Thursday, after stormy weather conditions made them lose then bearings.