Eastern Mediterranean

“In line with our established approach, fully composed, we will not be dragged into actions that lead to tension in the region,” Cypriot Defence Minister Savvas Angelides said.

According to a report in the Turkish daily Milliyet entitled “They are coming in July! 600-metre wall”, despite the American and Nato threats the procurement of the Russian missile system will act as a deterrent in the Aegean

The Senate bill is part of a comprehensive strategy in the region that relies in great measure on the Greece-Cyprus-Israel energy and security cooperation while at the same time drawing distinct red lines for Turkey’s actions.

Greece’s position for decades has been that the only issue up for negotiation with Ankara is the delimitation of the Aegean continental shelf and has constantly rejected Turkish demands for a no-hold-barred dialogue.

In his post, entitled “The greatest threat to the national territorial integrity of Greece is the SYRIZA government,” Kostarakos unleashes harsh criticism of SYRIZA’s stance towards issues of national import.

It is unclear which part of Turkey’s Exclusive Economic Zone the minister was referring to as all drilling so far has occurred in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus.

The manoeuvres have been touted as Turkey’s biggest ever, covering a terrain including the Aegean, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea.

Mitsotakis and centre-left Movement for Change leader Fofi Gennimata, in turn, blasted the government regarding the over-taxation

'Turkey is exhibiting its decisiveness as regards protection of her rights in Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, both on the political level and in the field of action.'

Admiral Apostolakis spoke of “razing” any Greek rock islet that Turkish troops may dare to land on, and Kammenos spoke of a “crushing defeat”

'We tell our friends the necessary words – don’t pressure us and don’t put us in a tight spot. That is the only way that mutual trust can develop,' Erdogan said.