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In the dispute over gas reserves in the Mediterranean, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again hardened the tone towards Greece and France. The political leaders of Athens and Paris are “greedy” and “incompetent,” said the head of state in Ankara. “When it comes to fighting, we are ready to be martyrs,” Erdogan said in a speech. He added: “The question is: are those who rebel against us in the Mediterranean willing to make the same sacrifices?”
“Do the Greek people accept the risk they are in because of their greedy and incompetent leaders?” Erdogan asked. “Do the French people know the price they will have to pay for their greedy and incompetent leaders?”
Ankara and Athens are fighting over the recently discovered gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean. Relations between the two NATO countries are therefore extremely tense. Given the situation, France has increased its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean as a sign of its support for Greece.
On Monday, Turkey also accused Greece of “piracy.” Athens is trying to arm the island of Kastellorizo, which is at the center of the conflict, criticized Omer Celik, a spokesman for the ruling party. “It is stupid to point weapons on the Turkish coast.” Greece will note “that we have a strong response at every turn.”
The EU threatens sanctions
The EU’s foreign ministers had already asked Ankara on Friday for the final dialogue with Greece. Otherwise, the special EU summit on September 24 could discuss punitive measures. Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu said: “This matter will not be resolved with sanctions.”
