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If the information from the official Turkish newspaper “Yeni Safak” is confirmed, the Oruc Reis will advance further, reaching 6 miles from Rhodes and Kastelorizo. The cabinet will meet today in Ankara.
The messages from Europe to Turkey do not appear to affect President Erdogan’s strategy of tension. The Turkish war of nerves in the eastern Mediterranean continues with a constant intensity with the official newspaper “Yeni Safak” announcing a new edition of Navtex (until September 25) for Oruc Reis in the direction of about 6 miles north of Rhodes and Kastello.
The Turkish research vessel continues its unhindered journey with “Yeni Safak” broadcasting that “the research will reach the territorial waters of the islands of Rhodes and Kastelorizo.”
At the same time, in the press of our neighboring country it is still the target of our country with the newspaper Sozcu reporting on its front page that Greece is increasing tension by sending to the Greek islands (Kos, Leros, Symi, Kastelorizo, Chios, Lesbos ) 540 soldiers. and commenting that “he has no right to do so.”
On a political level, the cabinet is meeting today in Ankara, and events in the eastern Mediterranean are high on the agenda. Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to brief his ministers on the NATO secretary general’s proposal for technical negotiations between Turkey and Greece, his talks with Angela Merkel and his contacts with Fayez al-Saraj.
With events “underway”, Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar will have a meeting today with NATO Military Committee General Stuart Pete.
European diplomacy
It should be remembered that yesterday, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, had a communication with the Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan. According to a European official, Charles Michel stressed to Erdogan that the European Union fully sympathizes with Greece and Cyprus.
The President of the European Council also stressed the importance of the reduction and called on Turkey to refrain from activities that increase tensions. Finally, he reiterated his call for a multilateral conference, noting that current disputes can be resolved through dialogue.
According to Turkish media, Erdogan said that Greece and some EU member states should not take measures to increase tension in the Mediterranean and the Aegean. As he pointed out, “the provocative statements and steps of European policies on regional issues do not serve to find a solution.” He also stated that “the attitude of the EU in the eastern Mediterranean will be a test of sincerity for regional peace, in the context of international law.”
Hours earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian sent a new and clear message to Ankara that “there is a whole range of measures” on the table in case sanctions against Turkey are finally decided.
The French official asked Erdogan to start talks on his plans for the Eastern Mediterranean between now and the convening of the European Summit on September 24 and 25. “We have many options and he knows it,” Lendrian commented significantly, calling on the Turkish leader to change his stance completely.
