ATHENS – With tension already high, Greece is keeping a close eye on Turkey which issued navigational warnings for parts of the Aegean apparently aimed at thwarting Greek naval exercises in the sea between the countries.

The so-called NAVWARNS, which Greek officials were designed to obstruct the Kataigida 20 naval maneuvers proved fruitless when they were canceled because of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, said Kathimerini.

The NAVWARNS promote Turkish positions on issues pertaining to its sea border disputes with Greece, with Ankara essentially accusing Athens of violating the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne – which Turkey doesn't recognize.

Greece said the NAVWARNS were invalid and authorities were anxious as well about Turkey planning submarine exercises close to the Aegean islands of Lemnos, Lesvos and Chios, in areas already reserved for exercises by the Hellenic Navy.

That happened after Greece rejected yet more claims by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu questioning the sovereignty of certain Greek islands and islets as well.