Kotzias urges Turkey not to create ‘big legal and political problem’ out of soldiers’ case

As Greek authorities await a decision by a Turkish judge on whether to accept an appeal by two Greek soldiers who accidentally crossed the border last week against their detention, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias called on Ankara not to create a "a big legal and political problem."

"Turkey must enforce what is foreseen by international law and not turn an everyday procedure into a big legal and political problem," Kotzias said during a press conference on Monday with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides.

The two men, who accidentally crosed the border last Thursday, are being detained in Edirne and had been due to face trial on Monday on charges of illegal entry. However it remained unclear when the trial would go ahead.

First the Turkish judge must rule on an appeal by the Greek soldiers' lawyers against their detention in Turkey.

Then a trial date is to be set.