Despite recent signs of rapprochement by both parties, Turkey has today accused Greece of violating international agreements through its military presence near the Turkish coasts.

In a brief comment, the Turkish Ministry of Defence said that Greece continued to "violate" treaties by deploying warships to the islands, most recently by sending boats to the island of Meis, 2.1 kilometres from the Turkish coast.

This follows the assertion made yesterday by the Turkish Minister of Defence, Khalussi Akar, that his country supports resolving problems with Greece within the framework of international law, dialogue and good - neighbourliness, noting the holding of consultative meetings between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and Greece, as well as talks by the military delegations of the two countries on "conflict resolution methods" at NATO headquarters.

In that context, he said: "Despite all these positive approaches, provocative attempts, irresponsible actions, statements and threatening language by our neighbour (Greece) are undermining peace and stability in the region."

For his part, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said last week that

Turkey has stopped insulting France and the European Union, offering some reassurance, but relations will remain fragile until Ankara does concrete work.

The removal of Turkish exploration vessels from Cypriot waters in the eastern Mediterranean and Ankara's willingness to resume talks with Greece on their long-standing maritime dispute were positive signs.

Relations were "fragile because the list of differences is too long, but we want a healthy relationship with Turkey," referring to the differences over Libya, Iraq and the region of Nagorno  Qarah Bagh.