Seven military personnel and a civilian on board a Turkish military helicopter who were arrested after landing in northern Greece would be extradited to Turkey, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said on Saturday.
A Blackhawk military helicopter landed at the airport in the city of Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece and the passengers were arrested for illegal entry into Greece.
The Greek government said that the Blackhawk helicopter will be returned to Turkey as soon as possible, and added that the asylum demand of the eight coup-involved staff will be examined. Later on, Greek officials told foreign minister Çavuşoğlu that they would extradite the pro-coup soldiers who flied there after the coup attempt failed.
The ministry said the helicopter gave a distress signal at 10:45 a.m. local time and landed six minutes late.
They have reportedly requested political asylum, according to Greek police officials.
Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said that Turkey has requested extradition of soldiers who escaped to Greece, while Greek authorities said they are are ready to cooperate with Turkey, what is necessary will be done.
