aegean tensions

'Our country steadfastly follows a policy that is based on respect for international law. Obviously that does not mean giving in to pressure. We steadfastly fend off every effort at revisionism and we insist on resolving disputes through dialogue.'

Athens must not become isolated and limit the handling of tensions fueled by Ankara to the framework of a Greek-Turkish dispute. Greece has every reason to behave as a member of the EU and Nato.

The overarching issue is to find ways to defuse tensions in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, where Ankara is doing all it can to impede Cyprus’ energy programme.

'In Cyprus they are testing our patience because they are violating our rights,' Erdogan declared about the gas and oil exploration programme of the Republic of Cyprus.

'We must solve the problems between us with an honourable compromise as we did with North Macedonia,' said SYRIZA MP Christos Karagiannidis.

There will be a meeting of the Greek, Turkish technical teams at which actions in the framework of the confidence-building measures will be discussed.

The main challenge and greatest problem in bilateral relations, however, is Ankara’s persistent claims against Greek sovereign rights in the Aegean.

Cyprus talks, energy issues and Turkey’s hostile activity in Cyprus EEZ, Aegean tensions and implementation of the EU-Turkey refugee agreement were all on the agenda.

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