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A dangerous conflict over natural gas drilling is latent in the eastern Mediterranean. French head of state Macron calls for “red lines” against Turkey. The arrogance charge comes from Ankara.
French President Emmanuel Macron used the EU Southern Summit in Corsica to launch a new attack on his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey is no longer a partner in the eastern Mediterranean region, Macron said Thursday in the island’s capital Ajaccio. Turkey immediately responded with harsh criticism to the statements of the most powerful French.
Macron previously asked journalists to take a firm stance on the part of Europeans towards the Turkish government. Europe’s voice must be more united and clearer than before. “Our red lines are simply respect for the sovereignty of each European member state, respect for international law.” He would like to re-enter a “fruitful dialogue with NATO member Turkey”.
Turkey: Macron’s statement is arrogant
At the same time, the French head of state claimed that France would support Greece in the conflict with Turkey. Discussions are ongoing on a strategic partnership that will lead to the signing of an agreement in the coming months.
Turkey reacted sharply to Macron’s comments. The French president had made an “arrogant statement” that was an expression of his helplessness and despair, according to a statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Macron’s behavior shows “old colonialist reflections” and endangers the interests of the EU. Furthermore, it was not authorized to decide on borders in the Mediterranean.
Saber rattles in the Mediterranean
Recently, the situation in the eastern Mediterranean has become dangerously tense. Turkey is looking for natural gas reserves. Greece and Cyprus believe that drilling is taking place in their maritime areas and is therefore illegal. Ankara rejects this. France recently increased its military presence in the region in solidarity with Athens and Nicosia.
Macron invited heads of state and government from six southern EU countries to Thursday’s conversation in Corsica. During its deliberations, the so-called “Med7” called on Turkey to change course quickly. The partners are in solidarity with Greece and Cyprus, said Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Contes’ Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated, according to an official translation: “Turkey must refrain from investigating.” He asked Ankara to return to the negotiating table.
The group of seven also includes Cyprus, Malta, Spain and Portugal. Mitsotakis had threatened Turkey with sanctions even before the meeting. In an article on behalf of the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, he also suggested referring the matter to the International Court of Justice. If Ankara does not see reason for the special EU summit at the end of the month, the EU heads of government “would have no choice but to adopt effective sanctions,” Mitsotakis wrote.
