Greek-Turkish Tensions

We have an obligation to utilise every window of opportunity to achieve a peaceful resolution of bilateral differences, especially when it is determined by the principles of international law

The PM is convinced that despite the many uncertainties that arise from the war in Ukraine, at some point it will end, and that the normalisation of economic conditions will be almost automatic.

' I am not the one who will say we are not talking, but we shall defend Greek positions with the absolute certitude that we have [international] law on our side,' Mitsotakis said.

The talks come amid heightened Greek-Turkish tensions in the Aegean, with an exponential increase in violations of Greek national airspace, and Ankara's return to the fold.

Pompeo, in an interview with the daily Kathimerini, described Turkey as a regional “threat” and said that it will realise that it is much better for the country to remain close to the West.

'There are plans to conduct research east of Crete, southeast of Cyprus, violating our maritime jurisdiction. We have said that we shall never allow this. We followed through and we did not allow the ship to enter the said area.'

The US ambassador noted the importance of the military relationship and common geopolitical objectives and was clear regarding the aim of curbing Chinese influence in Greece.

That Turkish side essentially wants annexation by Ankara of the Turkish-occupied [since the 1974 invasion] northern part of the island, unless the process leads to a plan for some sort of confederation

'The agreement confirms a long-standing tradition of excellent collaboration between our countries both on the bilateral level and in the framework of regional and international organisations.'

Government spokesman Stelios Petsas said today that it would be ironic to be telling people to stay home [to halt the spread of the coronavirus] even as they are being evicted.

His first years in power focused on a recovery of the Turkish economy and he systematically promoted the mass integration (mainly through Islamic networks) in the production process of marginalised segments of society.

The foreign minister briefed opposition parties on 'Turkey’s provocative actions and on its historically and legally groundless claims.'

'Today the president of Turkey stated that he warned Greece’s leadership not to lay a wreath at Imia, implying that movements of the Oruc Reis were linked to the prospect of the Greek military approaching Imia,' SYRIZA stated.

Erdogan declared that if Greece does not concern itself with Turkey it has nothing to fear from Ankara, meaning that Athens should disregard its sovereign rights and ignore the illegal Libya-Turkey accord delimiting their putative EEZs.

Turkey’s demands are now far more expansive and go far beyond the Aegean region to include the broader region of the Southeastern Mediterranean and Cyprus’s EEZ.

Turkey began with the invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and expanded with constant disputes of Greece’s sovereign rights in the broader region of the Aegean and southeastern Mediterranean.

"'he activity for the protection of our rights and interests in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, and Cyprus is proceeding decisively,' the Turkish defence minister said.

Turkish warplanes that violated Greece’s airspace were confronted by Greek warplanes and engaged in dog fights after the Turkish planes refused to leave the Athens FIR.

Dendias took office even as Ankara prepared to begin illegal oil and gas drilling in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) off the Karpas peninsula, which has been Turkish-occupied since 1974.

The defence minister underlined Greece’s efforts to achieve a normalisation of relations.