Tsipras urges Turkey to release detained Greek soldiers

Tsipras asked that the soldiers be released as a sign of good will between the two countries. “Of late (Turkey) has intensified its provocations and is escalating the situation on all fronts,” he added.

“It is unfair that they are being held. Just as we, in the past, returned Turkish soldiers who may have crossed the Greek border by a few metres, I expect the Turkish president to today do the same,” Tsipras said.

Some observers say Ankara is using the soldiers as leverage so Athens will extradite Turkish soldiers who are currently seeking asylum in Greece. The eight Turkish soldiers fled the country after the failed 2016 coup attempt.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched a wide ranging crackdown on dissent since the failed coup. Tens of thousands of suspected Gulenists, who Ankara believe orchestrated the attempt, have been arrested. About 150,000 have also been sacked from their jobs.

Neighbours and NATO allies Greece and Turkey have historically been at odds over several maritime and other issues. In recent months, Ankara has protested against the Greek administration in Cyprus carrying out offshore gas exploration, which it says violates the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' rights to any discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Greek-administered Republic of Cyprus has said any proceeds would be split once the island is unified.