By Sinan Uslu

ANKARA

Though Greece recognizes that the fugitive ex-soldiers who fled the night of last year’s coup attempt are not innocent, it has left their extradition up to the courts, according to remarks of the Turkish prime minister reported Tuesday.

Binali Yildirim was speaking to reporters on his return flight to Turkey on Monday, following a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

He said he had discussed the requested extradition of eight former Turkish soldiers who fled to Greece hours after the failed July 15 coup.

But Tsipras said the Greek courts are independent and the matter for the time being is up to them.

Ankara has repeatedly asked for the ex-soldiers’ extradition, but Greek courts have twice turned down the request.

Yildirim added that unlike other countries, Greece was against the coup attempt.

The July 15 attempted coup left 250 people dead and around 2,200 wounded.

Cyprus talks

Yildirim also said that during his meeting, the Cyprus peace talks were also discussed.

Both Turkey and Greece, as guarantor countries for the island, seem wary of getting involved in the Geneva talks.

"There is doubt whether the talks to be held in Switzerland on June 28 will require the attendance of the prime ministers of guarantor countries like Greece and Turkey,” he said.

Yildirim said the leaders of the island needed to agree on certain issues in order to reach an overall solution.