COULD GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS SPILL INTO OPEN CONFLICT?

Greek officials say that relations with Turkey are so tense before elections in both countries next June that a military incident is possible in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. that could trigger a wider conflict. 

The Greek suspicion is that Turkey's president Erdogan would seek to create national security crisis that could boost his popularity on the wane after 20 years in power.  

In August, Erdogan suggested he might order a landing on Greek islands "We shall come suddenly one night ...if you Greeks go too far, then the price will be heavy."  

"Until 2019, 2020, and 2021 I suggested there was no chance of war but I no longer say that," said Greek admiral Alexander Diakopoulos to the international press. 

"Turkey's rhetoric is building towards attack," said Diakopoulos who is the former national advisor to Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotaskis.