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At the same time, he highlighted the image of a Greece as country of peace that respects international law against the neighbor. Image necessary for the government’s arguments to be heard more convincingly by the international community.
Speaking by teleconference, the prime minister initially blamed Turkey for the tensions: “Unfortunately, despite Greece placing trust, dialogue and understanding at the heart of a values-based foreign policy, Turkey has responded with escalation, challenges. and and aggression. While Greece chose its path dialogue in good faith, Turkey has chosen its path intransigence».
Then he made a careful indirect reference to his threat European sanctions in Turkey:
“Turkey’s actions undoubtedly undermine international law and threaten the security and stability of the eastern Mediterranean region in general, as well as of all EU member states. The European Union has made it absolutely clear that unilateral action will not will remain unanswered. They threaten the sovereign rights of member states. “
Mr. Mitsotakis used the principle diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates as an example of peaceful settlement of transnational disputes: “Everyone understands that this constant escalation of tension cannot continue. And I refuse to believe that cooperation between close neighbors is not possible. See the recent agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Both countries are friends of Greece, now they are friends with each other. “Years of suspicion and hatred have been replaced by a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding.”
Finally, the Prime Minister sent his message to both Turkey as well as in international community:
“So let’s get together, let’s talk and find a mutually acceptable solution. Let’s give diplomacy a chance. If, in the end, we still can’t agree, then we must trust their wisdom. International Court of Justice in The Hague.
The beginning exploratory contacts between our two countries, which was announced two days ago, is a step in the right direction. “If President Erdogan really believes that the United Nations is a beacon of hope and a bastion of global cooperation, then I would urge him to act in accordance with its values.”
It is important that in his speech, Mr. Mitsotakis not only refers to The Hague, but that he gives it a central position. It is not clear at this time (and could not be) whether the Prime Minister proposes The Hague, knowing that the other party does not want it or that there is indeed a prospect of a joint appeal to the International Court of Justice.
Kalin’s statements
However, the statements of the representative of the Turkish presidency, Ibrahim Kalin, It complicated the situation. This is because, according to Mr. Kalin, the subject of the discussions will not only be its definition. maritime zones, but also other issues like air space and the minorities.
According to the Anadolu news agency and the KYPE, Kalin spoke of two parallel processes, one at the political level and the other at the military level. He also said that exploratory contacts are a mechanism established in 2002 to discuss the continental shelf, EEZ and airspace in the Aegean. Process that continued until 2016. He added that the 61st round of exploratory negotiations will continue from where it was interrupted. He also pointed out that in the political negotiations to be held at the Chancellor level, issues of the economy, tourism, border security and minorities will be discussed.
TO military talks In addition to the dialogue on confidence-building measures, there will be a structure in which a joint working mechanism can be established in the Aegean between Greek and Turkish soldiers at sea, air and borders. As he said, a series of contacts have been made in this regard and this week meetings have been held in NATO in this context.
Ibrahim Kalin said the date of the exploratory talks has not yet been clarified. He highlighted that:
“It is very important that the Turkish president gives space for diplomacy, providing a second chance for negotiations.”
Government sources comment on CNN Greece’s statements to Kalin
Considering that the statements made by the representative of the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ibrahim Kalin, do not add “anything new” to the discussion about Greek-Turkish Government sources expressed in communication on Friday night that they had with CNN Greece.
“Mr. Kalin probably refers more broadly to ‘political dialogue.’ In fact, the three institutional frameworks for dialogue are political consultation at the secretary-general level. Ministers of Foreign Affairs held in January in Ankara, the MOE held in February in Athens and those of investigation. “Nothing new, that is,” government sources told CNN Greece.
Visit Pompeo
Meanwhile, he is coming to Greece on Monday. Mike pompeo.
Pompeo will meet in Thessaloniki with Nikos Dendias and in Crete with Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to a State Department spokesperson, the focus of the visit will be energy and security.
Regarding the latest events in the Eastern Mediterranean, the US official recalled that Washington has repeatedly declared its need to reduce the escalation. In addition, he said that Mike Pompeo has welcomed recent positive developments and the prospect of returning to dialogue. In this regard, he noted that the United States welcomes the announcement of the resumption of exploratory talks and expressed its confidence that this issue will be discussed during the visit. However, he clarified that the main objective of the trip continues to be the further development of bilateral relations.
