Turkey's Premier Denies News Reports in Greek Media that Agreement Reached in 12 Miles

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denied the news reports in Greek media that an agreement was reached between Turkey and Greece on 12 miles.

Erdogan responded to questions of reporters after attending a ceremony in Ankara.

Asked to comment on news reports that Turkey and Greece reached an agreement on 12 miles, Erdogan said, "there is nothing like an agreement is reached on 12 miles. The talks are underway with Greece. The parties will make a joint statement if an agreement is reached. This is out of question at the moment.

Authorized people continue talks. We will make necessary statement they reach a specific point."

Greece claims that its territorial waters should be extended to 12 nautical miles from 6 miles, citing international maritime agreement. Turkey which is not a party to the agreement, is against neighboring state's claim about the extend of the territorial waters in the Aegean Sea.

Responding to a question who would assume the command of NATO Ballistic Missile Defense System, Erdogan said it was not yet determined who would assume the command.

Regarding the demand of the European Union from Ankara to implement Ankara Protocol, Erdogan said "reciprocity principle" was valid.